Composite Cam Rocker-Recliner Base for Low-Force Smooth Rocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rocker chair designs face challenges in providing a comfortable and reliable rocking motion over time due to fatigue failure in the rocking motion limiting mechanism, particularly with compression or extension springs, which require increased force to stretch, making it difficult for users to engage in a smooth rocking motion.
Innovation Solution
A rocker chair base assembly utilizing unitary composite cam members with a set of angle cross members and longitudinal rails, where the cam members are formed of rigid composite materials like glass-filled nylon, providing a secure and durable rolling contact surface for smooth rocking motion and reduced spring elongation, thus minimizing the force required by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger diameter springs are used in the rocking motion limiting mechanism, then reliability is improved, but the force required to stretch the spring increases, making it difficult for users to engage in rocking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spring system by reducing spring diameter and optimizing spring dimensions to decrease the force required for rocking motion while maintaining reliability through alternative design configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the cam members (glass-filled nylon) to achieve high strength and durability with reduced weight, allowing for a more efficient force transmission system that requires less input force from the user
2Ease of operation
If compression or extension springs are used in the rocking motion limiting mechanism, then the mechanism can limit rocking motion, but the springs become prone to fatigue failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metal springs with composite cam members that are designed to be more durable and resistant to fatigue, effectively creating a long-lasting alternative that eliminates the fatigue failure problem inherent in traditional spring mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from metal springs to composite materials, fundamentally altering the fatigue characteristics and reliability of the rocking motion limiting 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
The solution enables a durable and comfortable rocking motion with reduced force requirement, maintaining structural integrity and ease of assembly, while minimizing stress cycles and elongation, ensuring a reliable and user-friendly experience.
Implementation Method 1
the cam members are located for rolling contact therewith during a rocking motion
Data Source
AI summary
A rocker chair base assembly employs a set of unitary composite cam members to enable a user to engage in a rocking motion with a chair mounted over the assembly. Each cam member presents a rigid body with a set of laterally projecting sleeves. A first set of angle cross members serve to interconnect longitudinal rails on which the cam members reside, and a second set of angle cross members serve to interconnect adjacent cam members. Specifically, the laterally projecting sleeves of each cam member present a mating angle profile for slidably receiving therein and securely attaching with longitudinal end regions of the second set of angle cross members.