Dining Chair Reclining Mechanism with Nested Counterbalance Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Many chairs are uncomfortable for extended use due to inadequate support in both upright and reclined positions, and existing reclining mechanisms are bulky and aesthetically unpleasing, making them undesirable for certain settings.
Innovation Solution
A seating system with a compact internal reclining mechanism that includes a counterbalance assembly, upper and lower guide assemblies, and a slotted track, allowing the backrest to move smoothly between upright and reclined positions while being concealed within the chair's design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reclining mechanism is added to support the backrest in reclined positions, then comfort and support are improved, but the device becomes bulky and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism is nested within the hollow interior of the backrest itself. The counterbalance assembly, guide assemblies, and slotted track are all contained inside the backrest structure, making the mechanism compact and aesthetically pleasing while still providing full reclining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reclining mechanism utilizes the vertical dimension by incorporating a counterbalance assembly that moves along a slotted track, allowing the backrest to pivot between upright and reclined positions through vertical movement of the counterbalance weight rather than requiring horizontal space for a traditional mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a compact internal reclining mechanism is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism is divided into separate modular components including the counterbalance assembly, upper guide assembly, lower guide assembly, and slotted track. These segments can be manufactured independently and then assembled into the backrest, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the compact internal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow interior of the backrest serves as an intermediary space that houses all the reclining mechanism components. This pre-existing cavity acts as a natural container, eliminating the need for additional external housings or complex mounting structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If the counterbalance assembly is concealed within the backrest, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed to be removable from the backrest, which provides access to the counterbalance assembly and other mechanism components housed within the hollow interior. This extraction of the cushion creates a maintenance access path without compromising the aesthetic appearance when the cushion is in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows users to easily access the mechanism for basic maintenance or adjustments by simply removing the cushion, enabling self-service maintenance without requiring disassembly of the entire backrest structure or professional service intervention.
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 system provides comfortable and intuitive support in both positions, is aesthetically pleasing, and is easy to manufacture and maintain, while maintaining a robust and durable structure.
Implementation Method 1
The counterbalance assembly is configured to provide a counterbalance force to the backrest
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, a dining chair is provided having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, a reclining mechanism, and a counterbalance assembly positioned within the backrest, among other components. The backrest is configured to move between an upright position and a reclined position. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly is configured to provide a counterbalance force to move the backrest to the upright position in absence of an opposing force.