Highchair Backrest Locking Mechanism for One-Handed Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing angle-adjustable backrest devices for child highchairs are complex and difficult to operate, lacking a simple mechanism for adjusting the backrest and footrest frames simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

An angle-adjustable backrest device comprising a backrest frame, a footrest frame, and an angle-adjusting mechanism with a mounting seat, pivot seat, and locking unit, where the locking unit includes a slide member, biasing member, and actuator unit, allowing for easy adjustment and locking of the backrest frame's angle relative to the leg frame, and simultaneous adjustment of the footrest frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing angle-adjustable backrest devices are used, then the backrest angle can be adjusted, but the device construction becomes complex and operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackrest angle adjustmentVSAvoiddevice construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest assembly is segmented into modular components: the backrest frame, footrest frame, and angle-adjusting device are separate but interconnected elements. The angle-adjusting device itself is segmented into a mounting seat, pivot seat, and locking unit, allowing independent adjustment and simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining adjustment functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking unit is nested within the angle-adjusting device structure, with the slide member containing the positioning groove that receives positioning components. The biasing member is housed within the locking unit, creating a compact integrated mechanism that reduces overall device complexity while preserving full adjustment functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing angle-adjustable backrest devices are used, then the backrest angle can be adjusted, but the operation becomes difficult and not user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackrest angle adjustmentVSAvoidoperation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member automatically engages the slide member with the positioning components on the mounting seat, creating a self-locking mechanism. Once the backrest is adjusted to a desired angle, the biasing member maintains engagement without requiring additional user action, making the device easy to operate and maintain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The slide member acts as an intermediary between the user's adjustment action and the locking mechanism. The positioning groove on the slide member selectively engages with positioning components, providing smooth transitions between discrete angle positions and simplifying user interaction with the adjustment mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the backrest frame is locked at a desired angle, then the angle is stable, but the mechanism requires complex locking and unlocking operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackrest angle stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple locking unit distinct from the adjustment mechanism. The slide member with its positioning groove and the biasing member work together to provide independent locking action, simplifying the overall mechanism while ensuring stable angle maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member provides automatic engagement and locking without requiring complex control mechanisms. The spring-loaded design ensures continuous contact and secure locking at each positioned angle, maintaining stability through passive mechanical means rather than active control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device provides a simple and intuitive method for adjusting the backrest and footrest frames, allowing for multiple inclination angles with a single-handed operation, enhancing user convenience and safety by maintaining the desired angle securely.

Implementation Method 1

The biasing member biases the slide member to the engaging position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7441835B2Angle-adjustable backrest device for a child highchair

Publication Date: 2008.10.28 WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS CO LTD

AI summary

An angle-adjustable backrest device includes a backrest frame and an angle-adjusting device for connecting the backrest frame to a chair. The angle-adjusting device includes a mounting seat mounted on a leg frame and provided with positioning components, and a pivot seat mounted on a seat, connected to the backrest frame, and pivoted to the mounting seat. A locking unit includes a slide member mounted slidably on the backrest frame and having a positioning groove to engage the selected positioning component to thereby lock the backrest frame at a desired angle relative to the leg frame, a biasing member for biasing the slide member to an engaging position, and an actuator unit operable to drive movement of the slide member from the engaging position to a disengaging position.