Compact Recliner Mechanism Using Linear Actuation for Styling Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reclining mechanisms in motion upholstery furniture are complex and restrictive, limiting furniture designers' ability to incorporate multiple styling features such as a T-cushion seat, winged back, space-saving utility, and high legs, often requiring bulky mechanisms and manual operation with additional linkages that can be uncomfortable for users.
Innovation Solution
A simplified, compact recliner mechanism using a linear actuator to control the position of the recliner mechanism, eliminating the need for seat-drop and over-center linkages, allowing for precise control and enhanced comfort while enabling the integration of various styling options without manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional reclining mechanisms with linkages are used to achieve space-saving utility, then the back can be positioned away from the wall in fully reclined position, but the mechanism becomes bulky and complex, precluding pivot-over-arm features and high leg configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reclining function from the complex linkage system and relocates it to a compact motorized actuator positioned between the leg tops and seat. This removes the bulky linkages that previously extended from arms to floor, enabling high leg configurations and pivot-over-arm features while maintaining space-saving utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical linkage system with an electric motorized actuator. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive linkages and manual operation, providing compact positioning control and enabling multiple styling features including T-cushion seats, winged backs, and high legs that were previously incompatible.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual reclining mechanisms with additional linkages are used, then space-saving utility is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates due to uncomfortable seat-drop movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical linkage system that caused uncomfortable seat-drop movements with a motorized actuator. This provides smooth, controlled positioning without the jarring mechanical movements, maintaining space-saving utility while significantly improving user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized actuator automatically positions the seat and backrest without requiring manual operation from the user. This eliminates the need for users to manipulate linkages or endure uncomfortable mechanical movements, providing comfortable automated adjustment while achieving space-saving configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compact reclining mechanisms are used to enable high legs and T-cushion seats, then styling versatility improves, but the mechanism must reside in limited space between leg tops and seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reclining function from the bulky linkage system and places it in a compact motorized actuator that fits within the limited space between the leg tops and seat. This extraction enables high leg configurations and T-cushion seats by removing the volume-consuming linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the reclining mechanism vertically between the leg tops and seat, utilizing the limited vertical space rather than horizontal space. This dimensional repositioning allows compact mechanism placement that accommodates high legs and various styling features without requiring extensive lateral clearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A simplified, compact, recliner mechanism which can be adapted to essentially any type of seating unit is disclosed. The seat-drop and the over-center linkages, as well as the seat-drop movement, may be eliminated utilizing a simplified recliner linkage and a linear actuator to control movement of the recliner mechanism.