Removal mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing gas springs from chairs, such as office chairs, are difficult for untrained users and can cause damage or injury due to the need for specialized tools or brute force.
Innovation Solution
A chair component with a removal mechanism featuring a threaded bolt and overlap element that allows easy detachment of the gas spring using minimal effort and standard tools, ensuring safe and damage-free removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tapered interference fit is used to secure the gas spring, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The removal mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a threaded bolt for applying controlled force, an overlap element for leveraging mechanical advantage, and a removal tool for user operation. This segmentation allows the secure tapered fit to be maintained during normal use while enabling easy removal through a dedicated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded bolt and overlap element act as intermediary components between the user's removal action and the gas spring connection. These intermediaries translate simple rotational motion of the removal tool into controlled linear force that progressively separates the gas spring from the conical hole, avoiding direct force application that could cause damage.
2Ease of operation
If special tools or hammering methods are used to remove the gas spring, then the removal capability is improved, but the risk of damage and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chair component provides its own removal mechanism integrated into the structure, eliminating the need for external special tools or dangerous hammering methods. The threaded bolt, overlap element, and removal tool work together as a self-contained system that enables users to safely remove the gas spring using only moderate manual force applied through the removal tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the chair. Rather than requiring expensive specialized tools or risking damage to valuable components, this disposable-like removal mechanism provides a safe, low-cost solution for gas spring removal.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conical shape with tapered interference fit is used, then the ease of installation is improved, but the difficulty of separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal mechanism components (threaded bolt, overlap element, and removal tool) are pre-installed and configured within the chair structure during manufacturing. This preliminary setup ensures that while the conical fit provides easy initial installation of the gas spring, the removal pathway is already prepared, allowing users to easily separate the components without dealing with complexity during the removal process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to safely and easily remove gas springs without specialized tools or excessive force, protecting the chair components from damage.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded bolt (222) is arranged in a threaded hole (204) in the base support (200)
Data Source
AI summary
A chair component (200, 102) for a chair (100) is provided with a gas spring receiving hole (202) into which an end of a gas spring (104) of the chair (100) is insertable, and a removal mechanism (220) for removing the gas spring (104) from the chair component (200, 102). The removal mechanism (220) comprises a threaded bolt (222) arranged in a threaded hole (204) in the chair component (200, 102). The threaded hole (204) is arranged adjacent to the gas spring receiving hole (202). A longitudinal axis of the threaded hole (204) is essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the gas spring receiving hole (202). A screw drive (226) is provided at a first end of the threaded bolt (222) for turning the threaded bolt (222) in the threaded hole (204). An overlap element (228) is provided at a second end of the threaded bolt (222). The overlap element (228) extends in a radial direction beyond an outer circumference of the thread of the threaded bolt (222) to such an extent that the overlap element (228) at least partially overlaps the gas spring receiving hole (202).