Armrest and chair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest designs for chairs face challenges in facilitating the operation and visual recognition of operation levers, particularly due to the rotation restricting mechanism and increased sliding resistance of operation cables, which affect usability and durability.
Innovation Solution
The armrest design incorporates a dual-layer structure with the upper layer member movable in one horizontal direction to maintain the operation lever's visibility and position, and a rotation mechanism with a pivot portion and bearing portion to restrict rotation while allowing operation cable insertion, reducing bending and sliding resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the elbow pad is moved forward relative to the elbow support portion, then the operational position is adjusted, but the operation lever becomes difficult to operate due to increased distance
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is divided into two independent movable components: the elbow pad that can move forward and backward, and the elbow support portion that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the elbow pad for comfort adjustment and the support portion for maintaining operation lever accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The elbow support portion is designed to rotate dynamically in response to elbow pad movement, ensuring that the operation lever remains within easy reach. This dynamic adjustment mechanism adapts the support structure to maintain optimal operational geometry regardless of the elbow pad's position
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operation cable is arranged with a curved deflection portion to allow armrest movement, then the armrest can move horizontally, but the sliding resistance of the operation cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation cable is routed through a guide hole that extends in the depth direction (third dimension) of the armrest, rather than solely in the horizontal plane. This three-dimensional cable routing allows the cable to maintain a more direct path while accommodating horizontal armrest movement, thereby reducing bending and sliding resistance
Solution Approach 2:
A guide hole structure acts as an intermediary element that facilitates smooth cable movement during armrest horizontal displacement. The guide hole is positioned and dimensioned to minimize cable friction and bending, serving as a mediator between the cable and the moving armrest structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rotation restricting mechanism is implemented with the rotary block and accommodating recessed portion, then rotational displacement is restricted, but the operation cable insertion becomes difficult due to increased sliding resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The guide hole is strategically positioned and oriented with specific local geometric properties that differ from other parts of the armrest structure. The guide hole's orientation and dimensions are optimized locally to minimize cable friction in the critical cable passage region, while the rotation restricting mechanism maintains its overall function elsewhere in the structure
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
This design enhances the usability of the armrest by allowing easy operation and visual recognition of the operation lever without changing posture, while minimizing the increase in sliding resistance and maintaining a compact size, thus improving the overall chair's functionality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an armrest main body supported by the support structure to be rotatable in a substantially horizontal direction
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest according to the present invention includes a support member (8a, 215, 308a) which is a support structure, and an armrest main body (8b, 216, 308b), the armrest main body (8b, 216, 308b) includes a lower layer member (8j) including an operation lever (8p, 235, 308p) which is supported by a support member (8a, 215, 308a) to be movable in a forward-and-rearward direction and is operated by a seated person, and an upper layer member (8k) supported by the lower layer member (8j) to be movable in right-and-left direction, and the upper layer member (8k) covers the operation lever (8p, 235, 308p) at a base position in the right-and-left direction.