Chair having a leaf spring in contact with a linkage to provide a resistance to tilting of a backrest of the chair relative to a column of the chair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture designs, particularly task chairs, face challenges in providing optimal adjustability to accommodate users of different weights and body types, leading to discomfort and potential health issues due to complex and time-consuming manual adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable chair system featuring an adjusting assembly with a leaf spring and subassemblies that automatically adjust resistance to the backrest's angular orientation based on user weight, allowing for seamless transitions between upright and reclined positions without requiring manual locking or adjusting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjusting mechanisms are provided to change spring force on backrest, then adaptability to different user weights is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple actuators and iterative adjustment process
Solution Approach 1:
The chair mechanism automatically detects user weight and self-adjusts the spring force on the backrest without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the user's own weight to trigger the adjustment process, eliminating the need for separate actuators and iterative manual tuning while maintaining adaptability to different users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes the physical parameters of the chair (spring force, backrest angle) based on detected user weight. By continuously monitoring and adjusting these parameters, the chair adapts to different users without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjusting mechanisms with multiple actuators are provided, then adaptability to different user weights is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming iterative adjustment process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user weight as soon as the user sits on the chair, and automatically initiates the adjustment process before the user needs to use the backrest. This eliminates the need for time-consuming iterative adjustments after the user is seated, as the optimal configuration is established in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair automatically adjusts its own configuration based on user weight detection, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system serves itself by detecting the user's presence and weight, then autonomously configuring the optimal backrest angle and spring force, thereby eliminating time loss associated with manual adjustment.
3Device complexity
If fixed spring force is used in backrest mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user weights deteriorates leading to discomfort for users with different body types
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed spring force to a dynamic adjustable spring force that automatically changes based on user weight. The mechanism remains relatively simple in structure but gains adaptability through automatic adjustment capabilities that activate when a user is detected, allowing the same simple mechanism to serve multiple user types effectively.
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
The system ensures optimal support and comfort by automatically adjusting to user weight, reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing the risk of discomfort and health issues associated with inadequate ergonomics.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring (434) in contact with a linkage (436) to provide a resistance to tilting of the backrest (404) relative to a column (424)
Data Source
AI summary
A chair, comprising, a backrest, a seat coupled with the backrest, a column coupled with the seat, a linkage statically attached to the backrest and rotatably attached below the seat, a leaf spring statically attached at one end and in contact with the linkage to provide a resistance to tilting of the backrest relative to the column, a first structure. A portion of the first structure has an arc shape that includes one or more teeth, and a second structure in contact with the first structure. The chair is configured such that, when a weight is applied to the seat, one or more teeth of the second structure move along the one or more teeth of the first structure to provide an increased resistance to tilting of the backrest relative to the column.