Assembly for concealing a compartment within an armchair or furniture console
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage compartments and cup holders in furniture pieces are exposed, detracting from the aesthetic appearance and collecting dust, while also not providing a convenient charging solution for portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A concealable storage compartment assembly with a sliding cover that integrates a wireless charging station, operatively connected to a movable section of the furniture piece, allowing the cover to move between open and closed positions to uncover or conceal the compartment and charging station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If storage compartments and cup holders are constantly exposed in furniture pieces, then access and usability are improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and dust accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is made movable between open and closed positions through a linkage mechanism connected to the reclining section. When the chair reclines, the cover automatically opens to reveal the storage compartment and charging station. When upright, the cover closes to maintain aesthetic appearance. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the accessibility state to the functional state of the furniture.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment and charging station are nested within the arm structure of the furniture piece, concealed by a cover that matches the aesthetic design. The components are integrated into the existing furniture geometry, allowing the storage function to be hidden when not in use, thus preserving the clean lines and silhouette of the chair.
2Ease of operation
If storage compartments are constantly exposed, then accessibility is improved, but dust accumulation and cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover automatically opens only when the reclining section is in the reclined position, exposing the storage compartment temporarily for use. When the chair returns to its upright position, the cover closes to protect the compartment from dust accumulation. This reduces cleaning requirements while maintaining accessibility during actual use.
3Shape
If a sliding cover is added to conceal the storage compartment, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly that operates the sliding cover is merged with the existing reclining mechanism of the chair. Both mechanisms share common structural elements and mounting points, allowing the cover to be operated passively by the reclining motion without requiring additional motors or complex control systems. This reduces the overall device complexity while achieving the aesthetic concealment goal.
4Extent of automation
If the cover is operatively connected to the movable section, then automatic operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover linkage is integrated with the reclining mechanism's existing structural components, such as the panel assembly and side rail members. The same linkage members that facilitate reclining motion also drive the cover opening/closing action. This merging approach allows automatic operation while simplifying manufacturing, as it utilizes existing structural elements rather than adding separate automated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A concealable storage compartment assembly for use within a chair or console comprises a storage compartment assembly having a storage compartment mounted therein, a cover mounted upon the storage compartment assembly and movable between closed and open positions, a panel assembly movably mounted within a component of the chair, or within the console, so as to be movable between closed and open positions, and a linkage assembly operatively connecting the panel assembly to the cover such that when the panel assembly is moved between the closed and open positions, the cover is likewise moved between closed and open positions so as to cover and conceal the storage compartment or uncover and expose the storage compartment.