Chair Height Adjustment Mechanism for Multi-Cylinder Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing height adjustment mechanisms for chairs require customization due to manufacturing tolerances and design considerations, leading to increased manufacturing costs and limited compatibility with different gas cylinders.

Innovation Solution

A height adjustment mechanism comprising a first member with a biasing mechanism and a second moveable member, allowing for attachment to various chair bases and gas cylinders, utilizing a rotational attachment and elastomeric or torsion spring biasing to actuate height adjustments without the need for customized gas cylinders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If customized gas cylinders and actuation mechanisms are used to meet manufacturing tolerances and design considerations, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing tolerance complianceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation mechanism is designed with a standardized interface that can work with multiple types of gas cylinders (different sizes, pressures, and specifications). The mechanism includes a universal mounting bracket and actuator assembly that accommodates various cylinder dimensions through adjustable mounting holes and standardized connection points, allowing one mechanism design to serve multiple cylinder types without customization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters such as spring preload forces, actuator travel distances, and mounting positions that can be tuned to work with different gas cylinder specifications. By allowing parameter adjustment within a standardized design framework, the system maintains precision across different cylinder types without requiring complete customization of each component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If customized gas cylinders are used for each chair design, then reliability and performance are improved, but adaptability and manufacturing flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment reliabilityVSAvoidgas cylinder compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation mechanism employs a universal interface design with standardized mounting patterns, connection types, and actuation protocols that are compatible with multiple gas cylinder manufacturers and models. This allows the same mechanism to be reliably installed on different cylinder types while maintaining consistent height adjustment performance across various chair configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism includes intermediary components such as adapter brackets, universal mounting plates, and standardized actuator interfaces that mediate between the gas cylinder and the chair structure. These intermediaries provide a standardized connection layer that ensures reliable operation regardless of the specific cylinder type, allowing the mechanism to adapt to different cylinders while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If customized actuation mechanisms are developed for each gas cylinder type, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation mechanism precisionVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation mechanism is divided into modular segments including a standardized mounting bracket, adjustable spring assembly, actuator component, and linkage system. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing precision to be achieved through standardized modular components rather than custom-integrated designs. This segmentation reduces overall complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through consistent modular interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 quick and efficient height adjustment with reduced manufacturing costs by allowing compatibility with multiple gas cylinder types, eliminating the need for customized components and providing manufacturing flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The biasing mechanism has a first portion attached to the first member adjacent to the first end of the first member. The biasing mechanism also has a second portion attached to the first member adjacent to the second end of the first member.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a rotational attachment and elastomeric or torsion spring biasing to actuate height adjustments

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8167373B2Height adjustment mechanism for a chair
Publication Date: 2012.05.01 KNOLL INC
  • US8167373B2 patent drawing
  • US8167373B2 patent drawing
  • US8167373B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A height adjustment mechanism is disclosed that includes a pedestal height variability mechanism. The pedestal height variability mechanism includes a first member and a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism is configured to hold the first member in a first position. The first member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The biasing mechanism has a first portion attached to the first member adjacent the first end of the first member. The biasing mechanism also has a second portion attached to the first member adjacent to the second end of the first member. Preferably, a second member is also provided that is moveably attached to the first member. The second member may be configured such that movement of the second member actuates height adjustment of a chair.