Locking device for a pivotable seating furniture, seating furniture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for pivotable seating furniture, such as office chairs, are prone to incorrect operation and uncomfortable actuation, making it difficult for users to recognize whether the chair is locked or unlocked, and require rotary movement which is not intuitive.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a guide element that can be displaced laterally, featuring two actuation sections for locking and releasing, and spring-mounted locking elements that automatically adjust, allowing for intuitive operation with lateral pressure only, and reducing the complexity of operating levers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin with return spring and rotary link is used for locking, then the locking mechanism can hold the chair in upright position, but the operation becomes uncomfortable and prone to incorrect use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional locking approach by using a spring-mounted blocking element that automatically engages with a locking edge when the carrier arrangement is in the correct position. Instead of requiring the user to manually position a pin through rotary movement, the blocking element self-adjusts based on the carrier's position, making the locking action automatic and intuitive while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is spring-mounted and automatically adjusts its position relative to the guide element based on the carrier arrangement's position. The spring force ensures the blocking element engages with the locking edge when the chair is in the upright position without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for complex rotary link mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a pin with rotary link is used for locking, then the chair can be locked in upright position, but the user cannot easily recognize whether locked or unlocked position is taken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual differentiation through color coding or distinct visual markers on the guide element at the first and second positions. This allows users to immediately recognize whether the chair is locked or unlocked simply by observing the position of the guide element, eliminating the ambiguity present in conventional pin-based systems where the locking state is not visually apparent.
3Reliability
If rotary link actuation is used, then locking can be achieved, but twisting motion is required which is not intuitive for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotary actuation mechanism with a linear displacement approach where the guide element moves between two positions. The blocking element, spring-mounted on the guide element, automatically engages or disengages from the locking edge based on this linear movement, making the actuation intuitive and eliminating the non-intuitive twisting motion required by rotary links.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex rotary link mechanical system with a simpler spring-loaded blocking mechanism. The spring force automatically positions the blocking element to engage with the locking edge when the guide element is in the first position, replacing the need for rotary actuation with a passive, position-dependent engagement system that is more intuitive to operate.
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 provides a secure and easy-to-use locking mechanism that prevents incorrect operation by clearly defining the actuation positions and reducing the need for rotary movement, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A blocking element is mounted on the guide element between two springs which are supported on the guide element at their end facing away from the blocking element. A first spring presses the blocking element into a position locking the carrier arrangement by being supported on the guide element. A second spring presses the blocking element into a position released from the carrier arrangement by being supported on the guide element.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device (1) for a swiveling piece of seating furniture, in particular for an office or conference chair, comprising: a swiveling support arrangement (2); a guide element (3) extending slidably through the support arrangement (2); a locking element (4) movably mounted on the guide element (3); and a first spring (5) and a second spring (6) arranged on opposite sides of the locking element (4) and each supported at an end facing away from the locking element (4) on the guide element (3), wherein the guide element (3) is slidably mounted in the support arrangement (2) such that it can be moved into a first position in which the first spring (5) pushes the locking element (4) into a position locking the support arrangement (2), and into a second position in which the second spring (6) pushes the locking element (4) into a position released from the support arrangement (2).The present invention further relates to a piece of seating furniture, in particular an office or conference chair, with a swivel mechanism which has such a locking device (1).