Drive motor-linear actuator system for powered lift or powered reclining chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powered lift and reclining chairs face challenges in stability, particularly for elderly or infirm users, due to the fear of tipping when moved to elevated positions, and this is exacerbated by the need for multiple linear actuators and drive motors, which increase weight and cost without ensuring sufficient stability and synchronized operation.
Innovation Solution
A single drive motor with oppositely threaded output worm shafts engaging laterally spaced worm gears within dual linear actuators, allowing synchronized actuation and reduced weight and cost by eliminating the need for multiple drive motors, while maintaining stability through lateral placement of actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear actuators and drive motors are used to move chair components to elevated positions, then the chair can achieve desired positioning functionality, but the weight and cost of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive motors into a single drive motor that operates multiple linear actuators simultaneously. The single motor's output shaft connects to multiple actuator mechanisms, allowing synchronized movement of footrest and backrest components without requiring separate motors for each actuator, thereby reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive motor performs multiple functions by controlling different linear actuators for various chair components (footrest elevation, backrest reclining). This multi-functional approach allows one motor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized motors, reducing weight and cost while maintaining full positioning versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drive motors are used to operate dual linear actuators, then each actuator can be powered independently, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive motor functions into a single motor unit that mechanically connects to multiple linear actuators through a common output shaft. This integration reduces the number of electrical connections, control circuits, and mounting structures needed, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining the ability to control each actuator independently through mechanical coupling.
3Weight of moving object
If a single linear actuator is used to lift the chair, then the system weight is reduced, but the stability of the chair at elevated positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting function with additional support mechanisms by using a single drive motor that controls multiple linear actuators positioned at different locations on the chair frame. This distributed actuator arrangement provides both weight reduction and enhanced stability, as the actuators work together to distribute loads and maintain balance during elevation and reclining operations.
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 single drive motor-dual linear actuator system significantly reduces weight and cost while enhancing stability and synchronized operation, ensuring elderly and infirm users feel safe and secure when the chair is moved between positions.
Implementation Method 1
A single drive motor with oppositely threaded output worm shafts engaging laterally spaced worm gears within dual linear actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A drive motor-linear actuator system, for use within, for example, powered chairs, comprises a single drive motor provided with a pair of output drive shafts, and a pair of laterally spaced, left and right-side linear actuators operatively engaged respectively with the pair of output drive shafts. In this manner, the single drive motor can simultaneously actuate both linear actuators in a synchronized manner. The linear actuators are disposed near the opposite left and right sides of the chair so as to provide enhanced stability to the chair while reducing the weight and cost of the chair since only one single drive motor is required to drive both linear actuators.