Double Blocker Cam Linkage for Smooth Glider-Recliner Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glider-recliner chair mechanisms often inadvertently lock or result in abrupt stops, leading to an unpleasant user experience due to unreliable locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A blocker linkage system that includes a glide bracket, pivotably coupled front and rear glide links, a carrier link, and blocker cams, which cooperatively engage a blocker pin to prevent gliding movement when the chair is in TV or full-recline positions, ensuring smooth and reliable locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used to prevent gliding movement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of locking deteriorates causing inadvertent locking or abrupt stops
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate blocker cams (front blocker cam and rear blocker cam) that independently engage with the blocker pin. This segmentation allows each cam to handle specific phases of the locking action, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The blocker cams are designed to gradually engage the blocker pin before full locking occurs. The cams prepare the locking action in advance by progressively restricting glider movement, which prevents sudden abrupt stops and ensures smooth, reliable locking transition
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism engages abruptly to prevent gliding, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to abrupt stops
Solution Approach 1:
The blocker cams progressively engage the blocker pin before complete locking, preparing the system in advance for the locking state. This gradual engagement eliminates sudden abrupt stops, maintaining user comfort while ensuring reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surfaces are designed to cushion the locking action by distributing the engagement force over a longer distance and time period. This beforehand cushioning prevents harsh impacts and abrupt stops, improving ease of operation while maintaining locking reliability
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 blocker linkage system effectively prevents unintended gliding movements in TV and full-recline positions, providing a more reliable and smooth locking mechanism, enhancing user comfort by eliminating abrupt stops.
Implementation Method 1
The rear blocker cam and the front blocker cam are operably coupled to cooperatively engage the blocker pin on the rear glide link when the glider-recliner is moved from the closed position to the TV and full-recline positions, preventing movement of the rear glide link
Implementation Method 2
A top end of a front glide link is pivotably coupled to the forward end of the glide bracket. Similarly, a top end of a rear glide link is pivotably coupled to the rearward end of the glide bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A blocker linkage for use in selectively locking a glider-recliner is provided. The glider-recliner is operable to move between closed, TV and full-recline positions. The blocker linkage includes a glide bracket having front and rear glide links pivotably coupled thereto. The rear glide link has a blocker pin coupled to it that extends outwardly. A carrier link is pivotably coupled to the bottoms of the front and rear glide links. A rear blocker cam is pivotably coupled to the carrier link. Similarly, a front blocker cam is also pivotably coupled to the carrier link. The rear blocker cam and the front blocker cam are operably coupled to cooperatively engage the blocker pin on the rear glide link when the glider-recliner is moved from the closed position to the TV and full-recline positions, preventing movement of the rear glide link (and thus the gliding movement supported by the carrier link).