Lumbar support device for an item of seating furniture and seating furniture with a lumbar support device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lumbar support devices for seating furniture with electric motor drives are complex and costly, requiring multiple levers and mechanisms that increase maintenance needs and risk of pinching or crushing, while also being difficult to mount.
Innovation Solution
A lumbar support device with a simplified structure using a linear drive with a motor and gear unit, featuring a spindle with differently oriented threads to achieve synchronous movement of sliding blocks, and a lever mechanism to actuate a support element directly against the upholstery, eliminating unnecessary levers and enhancing ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple levers and mechanisms are used to achieve lumbar support movement, then the support function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary levers and intermediate mechanisms from the lumbar support system. By using a linear drive that directly connects the motor to the support element through a guide profile and sliding element, the design removes redundant mechanical components while maintaining the core lumbar support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear drive mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides motor-driven actuation, guides the movement of the support element through the guide profile, enables synchronous movement through the spindle connection, and directly actuates the support element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
2Reliability
If multiple levers and mechanisms are used to achieve lumbar support movement, then the support function is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting unnecessary levers and mechanisms, the patent reduces the bill of materials and assembly requirements. The simplified structure with fewer parts directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the lumbar support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear drive system is designed to be largely self-contained and maintenance-free. The motor and gear unit are integrated into a compact housing, and the guide profile with sliding elements provides automatic guidance without requiring additional adjustment or maintenance mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a complex lever mechanism is used, then the lumbar support can be actuated, but the risk of pinching or crushing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate levers and connection points that could create pinching or crushing hazards. By using a direct linear drive connection from the motor through the guide profile to the support element, the design eliminates potential pinch points while maintaining actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide profile acts as a safe intermediary between the motor and the support element. It provides a constrained, guided path for the sliding element, ensuring smooth movement without uncontrolled mechanical interactions that could cause pinching or crushing.
4Reliability
If multiple levers and mechanisms are used, then the lumbar support function is achieved, but the mounting difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting unnecessary intermediate mechanisms, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps and mounting points required. The linear drive system can be mounted as a more integrated unit, simplifying the installation process while maintaining the lumbar support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into the linear drive assembly: the motor, gear unit, guide profile, and sliding element are combined into a single integrated mechanism. This reduces the number of separate components that need to be mounted and assembled, thereby simplifying the overall mounting process.
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 cost-effective, maintenance-free lumbar support device with a compact structure that ensures synchronous movement of support elements, reducing the risk of pinching and simplifying mounting, while maintaining effective support for the user's lumbar spine.
Implementation Method 1
a spindle with differently oriented threads to achieve synchronous movement of sliding blocks
Data Source
AI summary
A lumbar support device for an item of seating furniture, in particular an armchair, includes an electromotive linear drive including a guide profile and two sliding blocks movable on the guide profile in synchronism towards one another and away from one another. Each sliding block includes a spindle nut coupled by a spindle. The linear drive is coupled to an extendable support element via a lever mechanism which includes levers connecting the sliding blocks to the support element, respectively.