Lumbar Adjustment Assembly With Opposed Screw Drive for Slim Seatbacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lumbar adjustment mechanisms in furniture are either too bulky or lack the necessary range of motion to provide adequate support across a variety of seating designs, particularly in wider seats, and often do not incorporate features like massaging units effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact lumbar adjustment assembly featuring a threaded rod with opposite-handed threaded sections, slider blocks, and links that allow for a wide range of motion, integrated with a motor assembly and optional massaging units to provide customizable support and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional lumbar adjustment mechanism is used, then it provides basic lumbar support functionality, but it becomes bulky and cannot fit within slim seatback frames
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs nested components where the threaded rod is disposed within the rail, and slider blocks move along the rail. This nesting arrangement allows the mechanism to achieve a compact form factor that fits within slim seatback frames while maintaining the necessary range of motion through the coordinated movement of nested components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism utilizes multiple dimensions of movement: the slider blocks move along the rail in one dimension, while the lumbar pad moves perpendicular to the rail in another dimension. This multi-dimensional movement enables compact packaging while achieving extensive overall range of motion.
2Length of stationary object
If a compact lumbar adjustment mechanism is used, then it fits within slim seatback frames, but it may lack the range of motion needed for wider seats
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs dynamic components including a motor assembly that rotates the threaded rod to drive slider blocks along the rail. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the lumbar pad to be positioned at multiple locations along the rail, providing adaptability for different seat widths and user preferences within a compact depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed with universal applicability through the motor-driven threaded rod system that can accommodate various seat configurations. The same compact mechanism can serve both slim and wider seats by adjusting the position of slider blocks along the rail, making it multi-functional across different furniture designs.
3Ease of operation
If a motor assembly is added to enable automated adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is integrated with the threaded rod mechanism, combining the actuation function with the adjustment mechanism. This merging reduces the need for separate actuation systems and minimizes overall component count while maintaining automated adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motor-driven system. The motor assembly rotates the threaded rod to automatically position the lumbar pad, substituting complex manual manipulation with a simpler automated system that reduces operational complexity despite adding a motor component.
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 enables a compact, versatile lumbar adjustment mechanism that fits within slim seatback frames, offering extensive motion range and optional massaging capabilities, enhancing user comfort across different seating configurations without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod disposed within the rail, a first slider block slidably engaging the rail, a second slider block slidably engaging the rail... The threaded rod may include a first threaded section having threads with a first handedness and a second threaded section having threads with a second handedness that is opposite the first handedness
Implementation Method 2
a motor assembly attached to the rail and rotatably driving the threaded rod relative to the rail
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of links connecting the lumbar pad to the first and second slider blocks... the lumbar pad moves in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first and second slider blocks move along the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture assembly may include a seat bottom, a seatback, and a lumbar adjustment assembly. The seatback is disposed adjacent the seat bottom and includes a seatback frame. The lumbar adjustment assembly may be mounted to the seatback frame and may include a rail, a threaded rod disposed within the rail, a first slider block slidably engaging the rail, a second slider block slidably engaging the rail, a lumbar pad, and links connecting the lumbar pad to the first and second slider blocks. The threaded rod may include a first threaded section having threads with a first handedness and a second threaded section having threads with a second handedness that is opposite the first handedness. The first slider block may threadably engage the first threaded section. The second slider block may threadably engage the second threaded section. One or more massaging units may be mounted to the lumbar pad.