Lumbar Support Device with Synchronous Sliding Block Linear Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lumbar support devices in seating furniture often have complex and non-service-friendly structures due to the use of multiple lever mechanisms, making them difficult to assemble and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A lumbar support device with an electromotive linear drive system that uses a guide profile with synchronously moving sliding blocks and a spindle with left-hand and right-hand threads, coupled to a lever mechanism, which simplifies the structure and reduces the need for additional levers, allowing for easier assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lever mechanisms are used to achieve lumbar support adjustment, then the support functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases and serviceability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelumbar support adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lever mechanisms into a single integrated lever arm that is pivotally connected to the backrest frame. This single lever arm performs the functions previously requiring multiple separate levers, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining the lumbar support adjustment capability. The guide profile works in conjunction with this consolidated lever mechanism to achieve the desired support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lever mechanisms are used to achieve lumbar support adjustment, then the support functionality is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelumbar support adjustment capabilityVSAvoidserviceability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple lever mechanisms into a single integrated lever arm structure, the patent reduces the number of components that require maintenance and repair. This consolidated design with the guide profile makes the system easier to service while preserving the adjustable lumbar support functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the linear drive is integrated into the backrest with mounting plates screwed into the frame, then the compactness is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lumbar support device into modular components: a guide profile with fastening elements that can be separately attached to the backrest frame, and a lever mechanism with a support element that pivots on the frame. This modular segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while achieving compact integration within the backrest structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If the linear drive is integrated into the backrest with mounting plates screwed into the frame, then the compactness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented modular design with separate fastening elements on the guide profile allows for simplified assembly operations. The guide profile can be attached to the frame, and the lever mechanism can be pivoted into place, making the assembly process more straightforward despite the compact integrated appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 results in a compact, service-friendly lumbar support device that is easier to assemble and maintain, reducing the risk of mechanical issues and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

The spindle has two sections, one of which is provided with a left-hand thread and the other with a right-hand thread, and one of the sliding blocks is assigned to each section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism with opposite threads: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The sliding blocks are each connected to the support element via at least one lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3893696B1Seating furniture with a lumbar support device
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 DEWERTOKIN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3893696B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3893696B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3893696B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a lumbar support device (10) for an item of seating furniture, in particular an armchair, comprising an electric-motor-driven linear drive (11), which is coupled to an extendable support element (14) via a lever mechanism (12), wherein the linear drive (11) has a guide profile (112) on which two sliding blocks (113, 114), coupled to a respective spindle nut via at least one spindle, can be moved synchronously towards or away from one another, wherein the sliding blocks are connected to the support element (14) via at least one respective lever (121, 122).