Low-profile, zero gravity, all-linkage seat mechanism with added back recline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial environments such as movie theaters require a recliner seating mechanism that can adapt to provide a zero-gravity configuration with a back that reclines slightly relative to the seat, which is not addressed by existing mechanisms where the back is fixed relative to the seat.
Innovation Solution
A chair mechanism with a pair of base plates, linkages, and a bell crank system that moves the seating unit from a closed to an extended position, allowing the seat to incline and the back to recline slightly relative to the seat, with the footrest extending and the back mounting link pivoting to achieve a unique recline position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the back is fixed relative to the seat in existing mechanisms, then the structure is simpler, but the user comfort and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The back assembly is segmented into a backrest and a back mounting link that can move independently relative to the seat. The back mounting link is connected to the seat plate through a linkage system that allows independent motion, enabling the back to recline slightly while the seat moves to zero-gravity position.
Solution Approach 2:
The back mounting link is designed as a dynamic component that changes its position relative to the seat during the transition from closed to extended position. The linkage system includes movable connections between the back mounting link, seat plate, and base plates, allowing the back to adapt its angle dynamically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a linkage system with multiple components is used to achieve back recline, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system merges multiple functions into a coordinated mechanism. The back mounting link, seat plate, and base plates work together as an integrated system where the motion of one component automatically controls the others through pivotal connections, achieving back recline control without requiring separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The back mounting link acts as an intermediary component between the seat plate and the backrest. It transmits and transforms the motion from the seat plate to the backrest, enabling the slight recline of the back relative to the seat through its pivotal connections to both components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat plate moves to inclined position, then the zero-gravity position is achieved, but the back needs additional mechanism to recline relative to the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system connecting the back mounting link to the seat plate and base plates serves multiple functions simultaneously. It enables the seat plate to incline to zero-gravity position while also allowing the back mounting link to recline relative to the seat, achieving two motions through a single integrated mechanism rather than requiring separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A chair mechanism is provided for a seating unit that has a footrest, a seat, and a back. The mechanism is adapted to move the seating unit from a closed position with the footrest stowed beneath the seat, the seat in a generally horizontal orientation, and the back in an upright position, to an extended position with the footrest extended, the seat inclined from back-to-front, and the back in a reclined position.