One-Piece Leg Rest Ratchet for Quiet Multi-Position Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional furniture member leg rest actuation mechanisms are complex and costly due to multiple parts, leading to increased construction complexity and noise, while seeking to reduce system complexity and enhance occupant comfort.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece homogeneous ratcheting member with a deflectable portion and a body portion, featuring a free end with cavities for stop positions and a bracket contact wall, allowing elastic deflection for smooth ratcheting motion without additional fasteners or lubrication, made from a polymeric material for reduced friction and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-part latching assemblies with metal sector plates and compressible elements are used, then the leg rest assembly can be latched in multiple positions, but the construction complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (sector plates, compressible elements, fasteners) into a single integrated ratcheting member made of polymeric material. This one-piece structure performs the latching function while eliminating the need for assembly of multiple parts, thereby reducing construction complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a polymeric material that combines the structural properties of metal (for latching) with the dampening properties of polymer (for noise reduction). This composite material approach replaces traditional metal-sector-plate-and-rubber-element assemblies with a homogeneous polymeric component that achieves both functions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If metal sector plates with compressible elements are used to reduce ratcheting noise, then noise is reduced, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the noise-dampening function previously achieved by separate compressible elements into the homogeneous polymeric structure itself. The polymeric material inherently provides noise reduction while maintaining the latching function, eliminating the need for additional dampening components.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners and assembled parts are used in the latching mechanism, then the latching function is achieved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a single molded polymeric part that can be installed as one piece. This eliminates the need for assembling multiple fasteners and components, significantly improving assembly efficiency while maintaining the latching function.
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 solution simplifies assembly, reduces noise, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for extra parts and lubrication, while providing precise mechanical alignment and structural rigidity for improved occupant comfort and operational smoothness.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable portion homogeneously connected to the free end, the deflectable portion adapted to be elastically deflectable to permit the free end to move in a ratcheting motion when the extending portion of the link moves between the first and second stop positions
Data Source
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AI summary
A furniture member leg rest ratcheting member for temporarily retaining a leg rest assembly in multiple extended positions includes a one-piece homogeneous member having a first portion including at least two cavities each defining a leg rest assembly extended position. A second portion has a male engagement tongue. A third portion has opposed first and second bracket engagement members spaced from each other. The third portion is elastically deflectable with respect to the first and second portions to permit a furniture mechanism bracket to be received between the first and second bracket engagement members when the male engagement tongue of the second portion is engaged with the furniture member bracket and to allow a ratcheting motion of the first and second portions with respect to the third portion.