Modular Footrest Assembly with Gas-Spring Angle Adjustment for Chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footrest assemblies for chairs are often built-in, lack adjustability, have limited positioning options, and components are not detachable, leading to wear and tear issues.
Innovation Solution
A footrest assembly with a mounting frame, recliner frame, and actuator assembly, featuring a gas spring to adjust the recliner angle, a six-bar mechanical linkage, and detachable components like a footrest cushion made of MDF and memory foam, with magnets for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional footrest assembly is built-in to a chair, then it provides structural support and comfort, but it cannot be attached or detached as desired and components cannot be replaced without disposing the entire assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting frame that attaches to the chair, a recliner frame with footrest, and detachable cushions. This segmentation allows the footrest assembly to be attached and detached from the chair independently, and allows cushions to be replaced without replacing the entire assembly, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame with brackets is designed to be universally attachable to various chair types, and the footrest assembly can serve multiple functions including providing leg support, adjusting to different angles via the recliner mechanism, and allowing complete detachment when not needed. This multi-functionality improves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional footrest assembly has fixed positioning, then the structure is simple, but the range of adjustability is limited to only 2 possible positions
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest assembly transitions from fixed positioning to dynamic adjustability through the recliner frame mechanism. The first portion slides within brackets while the second portion pivots relative to the first, enabling continuous adjustment of the recliner angle rather than being limited to two fixed positions. This dynamic mechanism provides adaptable positioning while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism operates in multiple dimensions: the first portion moves linearly along the sliding path within the brackets, while the second portion rotates angularly relative to the first portion. This multi-dimensional movement capability expands the range of adjustability beyond simple two-position switching, allowing users to achieve various angles and positions for optimal comfort
3Ease of repair
If extensive use of the footrest assembly is made, then wear and tear occurs on components, but replacing the entire assembly is costly and wasteful
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest assembly is segmented into a permanent structural portion (mounting frame and recliner frame) and replaceable consumable portions (cushions and covers). This segmentation enables easy replacement of worn cushions and covers without replacing the entire assembly, making repair simple and cost-effective while the modular structure manages the complexity of having detachable components
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows cushions and covers to be easily removed and replaced when worn, effectively discarding only the consumable components rather than the entire assembly. The structural frame and mechanism are recovered and retained for continued use, reducing waste and replacement costs while the simple detachable connection system manages the complexity of the component replacement 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
Provides enhanced adjustability, durability, and ease of maintenance by allowing detachable components, reducing wear and tear, and ensuring smooth operation despite periods of inactivity.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator assembly configured to allow adjustment of the recliner angle between the first portion and the second portion, the actuator assembly comprises a gas spring configured to urge the second portion to an extended position
Implementation Method 2
The second portion comprises a fastener for attaching the footrest to the main linkage when the six-bar mechanical linkage is in the retracted state. The fastener may comprise at least one magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A footrest assembly for attachment to a chair is provided. The footrest assembly comprises a mounting frame configured to be attached to a seat portion of the chair, the mounting frame comprising a pair of brackets, a recliner frame comprising a first portion configured to be slidably received by the pair of brackets, and a second portion configured to support a footrest, the first portion pivotably connected to the second portion to define a recliner angle therebetween, and an actuator assembly configured to allow adjustment of the recliner angle between the first portion and the second portion, the actuator assembly comprises a gas spring configured to urge the second portion to an extended position, the extended position corresponding to a maximum allowable recliner angle. Further disclosed are a chair comprising a seat portion and a footrest assembly installed to the seat portion, and a method of manufacturing a footrest assembly.