Chair Tilting Fitting With Adjustable Spring Spacing and Tilt Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilting fitting devices for chairs face operational drawbacks, such as limited adjustability of tilting positions and the need for vigorous tilting to release springs, due to the fixed positioning of tilt-resisting springs, which restricts the number of desired tilting positions and compromises user convenience.
Innovation Solution
The tilting fitting device incorporates a first pair of tilt-resisting springs with fixed spacing for neutral position holding and a second pair of eccentrically supported, spacing-adjustable springs, along with a toothed wheel mechanism and actuating element for adjusting spring spacing, and a tilt lock system using tooth-equipped engaging members for locking at desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tilt-resisting springs are fixed in position to maintain compactness, then the device remains compact, but the number of adjustable tilting positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed spring positioning into a dynamic system where springs can be moved between multiple predetermined positions. The movable support members with toothed wheel segments engage with the actuating element's teeth, allowing the springs to be repositioned along the longitudinal direction of the tilting axis, thereby enabling multiple adjustable tilting positions while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the spring positioning system into discrete segments by providing multiple predetermined positions for the springs. The actuating element with its toothed segments engages with corresponding toothed wheel segments on the support members, creating distinct stop positions that allow the springs to be positioned at specific intervals along the tilting axis, thus enabling multiple discrete tilting positions.
2Force
If spring biasing is increased to provide sufficient resistance in neutral position, then tilting resistance is sufficient, but vigorous tilting is required to release the springs for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the actuating element with toothed segments that engages with the toothed wheel segments on the support members. This intermediary allows the user to easily move the springs between predetermined positions by simply moving the actuating element longitudinally, without requiring vigorous tilting motion. The toothed engagement provides controlled movement while maintaining sufficient tilting resistance during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple springs are made positionable relative to one another to enable adjustment, then tilting resistance adjustability is improved, but the volume occupied by the springs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the spring positioning dynamic rather than static, allowing the springs to be moved between multiple predetermined positions along the longitudinal direction of the tilting axis. This dynamic positioning capability enables adjustable tilting resistance while keeping the springs confined within a compact volume, as they can be repositioned without requiring additional space for permanent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves multiple functions: it simultaneously engages with both support members, controls the positioning of multiple springs, and enables adjustment of tilting resistance. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve adjustable tilting resistance without requiring separate mechanisms for each spring, thereby reducing the overall volume occupied by the adjustment mechanism.
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
This solution allows for adjustable tilting resistance and multiple lockable positions, enhancing user convenience by simplifying the adjustment process and increasing the number of possible tilting positions without compromising compactness.
Implementation Method 1
each of the support members is provided with a segment of a toothed wheel, wherein an actuating element is arranged for simultaneous engagement with the two support members, the actuating element, along a part of each of its two sides in the element's direction of motion, having a row of teeth designed for engagement with a respective support member's toothed wheel or toothed wheel segment
Implementation Method 2
a chair seat is tiltable forwards and backwards against spring force of tilt-resisting springs
Data Source
AI summary
A tilting fitting device enables a chair seat to be tiltable forwards and backwards against spring force of tilt-resisting springs, the tilting fitting having an upper part that is fastenable to the chair seat and a lower part that is fastenable to a chair base and tiltably connected to the upper part, wherein the tilting resistance is adjustable by adjusting spacing between the tilt-resisting springs and distance of each spring from a respective side of a tilting axis for the upper part. An actuating element is arranged for simultaneous engagement with two support members, an actuating element, along a part of each of its two sides in the element's direction of motion. On movement of the actuating element in the longitudinal direction of the tilting axis, it is adapted to cause rotation of the support members and springs mounted thereon, thereby changing the spacing of the springs.