Chair Backrest-Seat Locking Mechanism With Low-Force Lever Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chair adjustment devices are structurally complex, occupy excessive space, are costly to manufacture and assemble, and require significant effort to activate, often due to mechanical inefficiencies and friction, making it difficult to easily lock or release the seat and back inclination.
Innovation Solution
A compact, simplified device with a box-like structure and a lever mechanism that uses a combination of fixed and movable helical structures and elastic elements to transmit forces directly, allowing for rapid and effortless locking or releasing of the seat and back, utilizing a gas-assisted spring and minimal components for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lock-bolt device with multiple springs and a lever is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the structural complexity and volume occupied by components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lock-bolt, lever, and spring mechanisms into a single integrated unit. The lever itself serves as the locking element that directly engages with the support structure, eliminating the need for separate lock-bolts and multiple springs. This consolidation reduces component count while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating lever and the locking element. When positioned in the locked position, the lever directly engages with the support structure to secure the seat, combining the functions of actuation and locking in a single component.
2Reliability
If a traditional lock-bolt device with multiple springs and a lever is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the volume occupied by components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lock-bolt, lever, and spring mechanisms into a single integrated unit. The lever itself serves as the locking element that directly engages with the support structure, eliminating the need for separate lock-bolts and multiple springs. This consolidation reduces component count while maintaining the locking function.
3Reliability
If a lever of determined length is used to transmit rotation force to axial thrust, then the locking function is achieved, but the effort required to activate the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the intermediate conversion mechanism (lever transforming rotation to axial thrust) and replaces it with a direct engagement system. The lever rotates and directly engages with the support structure through a cam-like action, eliminating the need for complex force transformation and reducing activation effort.
4Reliability
If a command lever with rotation about an axis is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to many interconnected components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lock-bolt, lever, and spring mechanisms into a single integrated unit. The lever itself serves as the locking element that directly engages with the support structure, eliminating the need for separate lock-bolts and multiple springs. This consolidation reduces component count while maintaining the locking function.
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 device enables easy and rapid adjustment of the chair's seat and back position with optimal force transmission, reducing assembly and maintenance complexity while minimizing space usage and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a lever (104) which is constituted by a handle (105) for the user, from which a substantially cylindrical and hollow box-like body (106) protrudes axially, elastically deformable appendages (108) being provided radially at the end (107) of such body
Implementation Method 2
to which a supporting element (103) for the back is articulated in contrast with an elastic element (not shown)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device (101) for mutually locking/releasing either the back or the seat or both, particularly for chairs, comprising a box-like structure (102), which can be associated with a seat and with a stem of a gas-assisted spring, to which a supporting element (103) for a back is articulated in contrast with an elastic element, and comprising a pivot (114), which can move axially in contrast with a first elastically deformable element (113) or a second elastically deformable element (117). A lever (104) is provided, which can be gripped by the user, and which can be associated rotatably with, and which protrudes laterally from, the box-like structure (102). Means adapted to actuate the axial movement of the pivot (114) upon a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation imparted to the lever (104) are associated axially with the lever (104).