Modular Armrest Components for Interchangeable Motion-Control Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Furniture manufacturers face challenges in offering customizable motion-control features for various furniture models with existing technologies, as they require multiple unique components for different configurations, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and inventory costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular kit of components including armrest frames, motion-control devices, adaptor inserts, and mounting brackets that allow for interchangeable and snap-fit installations of remote control devices and control panels across different furniture models, enabling flexible configuration without modifying the armrest panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique components are used for different motion-control configurations, then customization options increase, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal mounting brackets and adaptor inserts that can accommodate multiple motion-control devices (remote controls, control panels, release levers) across different furniture models. The mounting brackets include various opening configurations that work with different device types, and adaptor inserts provide interface compatibility between different control devices and mounting structures, eliminating the need for model-specific components.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion-control system is divided into separate modular components: mounting brackets attached to armrest frames, adaptor inserts that interface with the brackets, and various motion-control devices. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and stored in basic configurations, then assembled in different combinations to meet specific customization requirements without increasing overall inventory complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique components are used for different motion-control configurations, then customization options increase, but manufacturing complexity and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are designed with universal features that work across multiple furniture models. The brackets include standardized attachment mechanisms to armrest frames and standardized interfaces for motion-control devices. Adaptor inserts provide a universal interface layer between different control device types and mounting brackets, allowing manufacturers to produce standardized components rather than custom parts for each model-configuration combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are pre-attached to armrest frames during armrest manufacturing, and adaptor inserts are pre-configured with specific interface geometries. This preliminary preparation allows final assembly to be a simple matter of attaching the appropriate motion-control device to the pre-prepared mounting structure, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique components are used for different motion-control configurations, then customization options increase, but inventory requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a small set of universal mounting brackets and adaptor inserts that can support multiple types of motion-control devices. Instead of maintaining separate inventory for each device-bracket combination, manufacturers only need to stock the universal mounting components and the various motion-control devices separately, then assemble them as needed. This dramatically reduces the total number of unique part numbers and inventory requirements.
4Ease of manufacture
If standardized openings in armrest panels are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different control devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Adaptor inserts serve as intermediary components between the standardized mounting brackets and various motion-control devices. The adaptor inserts include different interface configurations that match different control device types, while the other end interfaces with the universal mounting bracket. This intermediary layer maintains the simplicity of standardized armrest openings while providing adaptability to accommodate different control device form factors and mounting requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit of components is provided for manufacturing a plurality of furniture members. The kit may include first and second armrest frames, a mounting cradle, a remote control device, an adaptor insert, and a control panel. The first armrest frame may include a first armrest panel having a first opening formed therein. The mounting cradle may include a first housing received through the first opening and engaging the first armrest panel. The remote control device may be removably received in the mounting cradle. The second armrest frame may include a second armrest panel having a second opening formed therein. The second opening may be identical to the first opening. The adaptor insert may be partially received through the second opening and may engage the second armrest panel. The adaptor insert may include a third opening. The control panel may include a second housing received through the third opening and engaging the adaptor insert.