Hinged Armrest Mechanism for Assisted Rising

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seating devices, such as chairs, lack ergonomic advantages and stability when transitioning from a seated to a rising position, often requiring users to lower their hands significantly, which can compromise posture and stability.

Innovation Solution

A seating device with an adjustable armrest mechanism that allows users to maintain a higher hand position during the rising process, featuring a hinged armrest connected to the chair frame, an operation rod system, and a locking mechanism to prevent accidental activation, enabling a more efficient and stable transition from a horizontal to a forwardly tilted position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the armrest is hinged to enable downward pressing operation, then the seat can be tilted forward to assist rising, but the user's hands must lower significantly which compromises stability and ergonomics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of rising from chairVSAvoiduser stability during rising
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest is designed to move not only vertically downward but also backward along an arcuate path. This dimensional change in the movement trajectory allows the armrest to return to a higher position after pressing, maintaining user hand elevation and stability while still activating the rising mechanism effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the armrest pressing mechanism is integrated into the chair structure, then the operation mechanism can be accommodated in usual chair components, but the look of the chair may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of operation mechanismVSAvoidregular appearance of chair
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest serves dual functions: it is both a support element for user comfort and an operation element for activating the rising mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the mechanism to be integrated without adding separate visible components, preserving the chair's regular appearance while achieving the desired functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the armrest can be pressed downwards into an end operation position, then the user's hands remain in a stable end position, but the motion path of the armrest is restricted by frame parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser stability in end positionVSAvoidfreedom of movement path of armrest
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest follows an arcuate movement path that combines vertical and horizontal components, allowing it to bypass frame restrictions while still achieving the end operation position. This curved trajectory provides the necessary freedom of movement while ensuring the armrest returns to a stable, elevated position for user comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enhances user stability and ergonomic benefits by allowing users to maintain a higher hand position during the rising process, reducing the risk of injury and improving the overall operation mechanism's reliability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the armrest is hinged at the rear to the backrest and is hinged at the front to a first rod of a pair of rods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

By pressing the armrests downwards the end of the second rod pushes the rear side of the seat upwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

near its front side the seat is hinged to the holder for transfer between a substantially horizontal seating position and a forwardly tilted rising position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2808001B1Seating device with rising aid
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 TOLBOOM ANTHONIUS JOHANNES
  • EP2808001B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2808001B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2808001B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Seating device comprising a holder, a seat and at least one armrest, which armrest preferably is attached to the holder near its rear end, wherein the seat is movably attached to the holder, preferably near its front edge is hinged to the holder, for transfer between a substantially horizontal seating position and a forwardly tilted rising position, furthermore comprising an operation mechanism for the transfer of the seat from the seating position to the rising position, wherein the armrest is part of the operation mechanism and for that purpose is attached to the holder so as to move, in particular so as to hinge, in particular so as to move in a vertical plane, for transfer between a normal position of use, in particular a substantially horizontal position of use, and a starting position that is situated higher and can be pressed downwards into an operation position that is situated lower than the starting position while transferring the seat into the rising position.