Glider-Recliner Lock Linkage for Position-Dependent Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glider-recliner chairs lack additional functionality to enhance user experience and convenience, particularly in controlling the gliding motion based on the chair's position.
Innovation Solution
A gliding and reclining seating unit with a reclining mechanism comprising pivotally interconnected links, an ottoman linkage, and a backrest linkage, along with a gliding mechanism that allows the seat, backrest, and reclining mechanism to glide relative to the base along a longitudinal path, featuring a manually-operated lock linkage and an automatic lock linkage to control gliding based on the chair's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gliding mechanism is added to a recliner chair, then the chair gains relaxing repetitive motion capability, but the chair structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gliding mechanism with the existing reclining mechanism by integrating swing links into the same structural framework. The swing links are pivotally attached to the base and connect to the seat assembly that already contains the reclining mechanism, merging two functions into a unified structure rather than adding separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing links serve multiple functions: they enable the gliding motion forward and rearward, provide structural support for the seat assembly, and work in conjunction with the reclining mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If locking linkages are added to control gliding based on chair position, then user control and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic locking linkage is configured to engage and disengage automatically based on the chair's position during reclining and gliding motions. The linkage uses the chair's own movement to trigger the locking and unlocking actions without requiring user intervention, thereby providing self-service control that simplifies operation despite the added mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking linkage system incorporates position-dependent feedback where the mechanical state of the linkage changes automatically in response to the chair's position. When the chair reaches certain positions during reclining or gliding, the linkage detects this and automatically engages the lock, providing feedback-based control that enhances safety and user control.
Data Source
AI summary
A gliding and reclining seating unit includes: a base; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base; and a gliding mechanism attached to the base and the reclining mechanism. The seating unit further comprises: a manually-operated lock linkage that moves between an unlocked condition, in which the linkage permits the seating unit to glide and a locked condition, in which the seating unit is prevented from gliding; and an automatic lock linkage coupled to the reclining mechanism, the automatic lock linkage configured to move between an unlocked condition that allows the seating unit to glide when it is in the upright position and a locked condition that prevents the seating unit from gliding when it is in the fully reclined position.