Manual Linear Recliner Assembly With Spring Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual linear seat recliners require power input and are costly, with most designs relying on motors and complex mechanisms, limiting their efficiency and durability.
Innovation Solution
A manually operable linear recliner assembly using an exteriorly threaded drive rod inter-engaged with rotating gear stop elements, where a spring is compressed during reclining and reversely extends to return the seatback to an upright position, eliminating the need for power input and enhancing cycling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power input is used to cycle the threaded rod in powered linear seat recliners, then the seat back can be adjusted, but costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the motor and power input components from the recliner mechanism, extracting the power source entirely. The manual operation is achieved through a trigger mechanism that releases a latch, allowing the user to manually cycle the threaded rod without any powered assistance, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The recliner mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through manual operation. The trigger mechanism enables the user to directly operate the threaded rod and gear stop elements without external power, making the system self-contained and eliminating the need for motors, batteries, or electrical systems.
2Ease of operation
If existing manual recliner systems are used, then operation is possible without power, but they lack efficient mechanisms for returning the seat back to upright position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element acts as a counterbalancing force that automatically returns the seat back to the upright position. When the trigger is released, the compressed spring expands, applying force through the threaded rod to counteract the weight and position of the reclined seat back, providing an automatic return mechanism without additional power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed during the reclining motion, storing potential energy in advance. This preliminary compression of the spring during the forward motion enables the automatic return to upright position without requiring additional manual effort or power input at the time of return.
3Device complexity
If manual operation is implemented, then costs are reduced, but the system requires high cycling capabilities and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the trigger mechanism for initiation, the gear stop elements for positioning, the threaded rod for linear motion, and the spring for return force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability and durability through specialized design of each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex powered mechanical systems with a simpler pure mechanical system using basic elements like threaded rods, gears, springs, and latches. This substitution of sophisticated mechanical systems with fundamental mechanical principles reduces points of failure while maintaining cycling durability through proven mechanical designs.
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
Enables efficient manual reclining and upright return of the seatback, reducing costs and ensuring durability through high cycling capabilities, suitable for various seat designs including vehicular and furniture applications.
Implementation Method 1
an inner end bushing secured to the rod compressing against an interiorly positioned spring. Upon re-triggering the release of the gear stop elements, the compressed spring influences the drive rod in a reverse linear extending fashion from the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A linear recliner assembly in use with a seat having a seat back pivotally engaged relative to a seat bottom. A housing exhibits a communicating interior between a first and second ends. A drive rod is supported in linearly displaceable fashion from the first end and is secured to the seat bottom. The second end pivotally engages the seatback spaced from its pivot point. A rotatable gear located at a fixed lineal position within the housing receives the drive rod in threadably inter-engaged fashion. A trigger mechanism pivotally secured to the housing exhibits a downwardly biased detent communicating through an opening in the housing to seat between succeeding teeth of the gear. A spring supported within the housing contacts the drive rod. Upon release of the detent, a reclining force applied to the seatback results in displacement of the housing against the drive rod to bias the spring. The spring influencing the drive rod in a reverse direction such that, upon release of said detent when the seatback is in the reclined position, the spring influences the seatback to reverse pivot to a returned upright position.