Compact Footrest Linkage for Narrow Furniture Chassis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional retraction and extension mechanisms for foot and leg supports in seating and lounging furniture are not compact enough for narrow or short chassis, requiring more space when retracted and not easily integrated into furniture designs with limited installation space.

Innovation Solution

The first and second fastening means are spaced apart by less than 50 cm when extended, allowing for a more compact retraction and extension device, achieved through rotatable strut connections and angled struts that pivot during extension, with release struts ensuring the extension operation is triggered by user force, and connecting means for increased stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional extension mechanisms with multiple struts are used, then the foot and leg support can be extended and retracted, but the device occupies too much space when retracted and cannot be integrated into narrow or short chassis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by retraction and extension deviceVSAvoidcompatibility with narrow or short chassis

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retraction and extension device is designed to nest within the chassis when retracted, with the foot and leg support positioned inside the chassis volume. This nesting approach allows the mechanism to occupy minimal space during retraction while still providing full extension capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism transitions from a linear extension path to a multi-dimensional movement pattern, where the foot and leg support can move both longitudinally and laterally. This dimensional change allows the device to access the same functional space from different trajectories, reducing the required retraction volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the first and second fastening means are spaced far apart, then the foot and leg support has sufficient range of motion, but the device becomes too large for compact furniture designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motion of foot and leg supportVSAvoiddistance between fastening means

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The distance between the first and second fastening means is made dynamic rather than fixed. The mechanism allows the fastening means to move relative to each other during extension and retraction operations, enabling sufficient range of motion while maintaining a compact overall structure when retracted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spatial parameters of the fastening means are changed from a fixed large separation to a variable separation that adjusts during operation. When retracted, the fastening means are positioned close together (less than 50 cm apart) to minimize footprint, while during extension, the mechanism creates sufficient operational space through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the retraction and extension device is made compact, then it can be integrated into small chassis, but the stability and support capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of retraction and extension deviceVSAvoidstability of foot and leg support

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The retraction and extension device is segmented into multiple independent components (first fastening means, second fastening means, struts, connecting elements) that can move and adjust independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness and stability through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple structural functions are merged into integrated components. The fastening means serve both as attachment points and as part of the structural support framework. The struts and connecting elements combine support, guidance, and stabilization functions in single integrated structures, maximizing stability within limited space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10064494B2Retraction and extension device for a foot and/or leg support of an item of seating and/or lounging furniture

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 INNOTEC MOTION GMBH

AI summary

A retraction and extension device (100) for a foot and/or leg support of an item of seating and/or lounging furniture, with two substantially parallel arms (102), each arm (102) includes a first fastener (106) for rotatable fastening to a chassis (108) of the item of seating and/or lounging furniture, second fastener (110) for fastening the foot and/or leg support to the respective arm (102), and a plurality of struts arranged in two rows (104), in each of the rows (104) the struts of the respective row (104) are connected in a rotatable manner to each other. Some of the struts in each of the rows (104) are connected in a rotatable manner to at least one strut of the respective other row (104), wherein the first and the second fastener are spaced apart from each other by a distance of less than 50 cm.