Weight-Responsive Chair Tilt Mechanism Without Central Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tilt mechanisms for weight-responsive chairs are limited in their application due to their large dimensions and requirement for a central gas column, making them unsuitable for chairs with elastic seats or those without a central support, as they cannot provide a compact, versatile, and weight-dependent recline force effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tilt mechanism comprising a backrest support, pivotable levers, and an energy storage mechanism, such as a spring, that allows for weight-responsive recline forces without a central support, with levers positioned on either side of the seat to maintain a compact design and accommodate flexible seating materials like mesh seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional tilt mechanism is used with a central gas column, then weight-responsive recline force is provided, but the mechanism has large dimensions and cannot be used in chairs without central support or with elastic seats
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt mechanism is divided into separate lever components (first lever, second lever, third lever) that can be distributed on either side of the seat rather than being centralized. This segmentation allows the mechanism to be adapted to chairs without central gas columns and with elastic seats, while maintaining the weight-responsive recline function.
2Volume of moving object
If the tilt mechanism is made compact, then it can be integrated into various chair types, but it becomes difficult to provide sufficient weight-responsive recline force
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses dynamic lever arms that change position and orientation during recline motion. The first lever pivots about a first pivot axis, the second lever pivots about a second pivot axis, and the third lever pivots about a third pivot axis, creating dynamic mechanical advantage that provides sufficient recline force in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lever functions are combined into an integrated system where the first lever, second lever, and third lever work together through coupling mechanisms. This merging allows the compact mechanism to achieve the cumulative effect needed for weight-responsive recline force.
3Volume of moving object
If levers are positioned on either side of the seat, then compact design is achieved, but the complexity of coupling mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having all levers converge at a central point, the coupling mechanisms are inverted to distribute connections along the sides of the seat. The second lever couples the first and third levers through pivotable connections that distribute mechanical interactions, reducing the complexity concentration at any single point.
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 the use of weight-responsive tilt mechanisms in various seating types, including those without central supports, providing ergonomic adjustments and compact integration, while allowing the seat to be folded up for storage or passage clearance.
Implementation Method 1
The tilt mechanism may further comprise an energy storage mechanism which biases at least one of the second lever and the backrest support. The energy storage mechanism may comprise a spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt mechanism for a weight-responsive seating furniture comprises a backrest support, a first lever and a second lever. The backrest support is configured for coupling to a backrest and is pivotably mounted. The first lever has a mount structure for coupling the first lever to a seat. The first lever is pivotably mounted at a first pivot axis. The second lever is pivotably attached to the backrest support at a second pivot axis and is coupled to the first lever by a coupling mechanism to pivot the first lever about the first pivot axis when the backrest support pivots relative to the carrier.