Modular Reclining Assembly with Compact Footprint and Nested Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional recliners in modular furniture systems often have a bulky appearance, require significant space for reclining, and lack ergonomic footrests, limiting their integration with modular furniture and reducing usable space.
Innovation Solution
A reclining assembly with a housing, footrest assembly, and reclining mechanism that can be selectively mounted and oriented within the housing, allowing for both deep and shallow configurations, and featuring a rotatable footrest panel to accommodate user preferences, while maintaining a unified aesthetic with modular furniture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional recliners are used in modular furniture systems, then reclining functionality is provided, but the furniture has a bulky appearance and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism is divided into separate functional components (footrest assembly, backrest assembly, base) that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the reclining mechanism to be contained within a compact footprint while maintaining full reclining functionality, eliminating the need for a bulky traditional recliner design.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest assembly and backrest assembly are nested within the confines of the base structure, with components arranged to maximize space utilization. The mechanism allows one component to be positioned within or adjacent to another, reducing the overall footprint while preserving the reclining function.
2Ease of operation
If traditional recliners are positioned away from walls to allow reclining, then full reclining range is achieved, but usable space in the room is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism employs dynamic positioning where the footrest and backrest can move through a controlled range of motion within the fixed footprint of the base. This dynamic design allows full reclining range to be achieved without requiring additional static space, as the mechanism folds or telescopes within its original footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The reclining motion is designed to occur primarily in the vertical dimension and along the longitudinal axis of the base, rather than requiring lateral clearance. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the recliner to be positioned close to walls while maintaining full reclining capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular furniture uses limited number of designs, then manufacturing is simplified, but comfort and configurability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base, footrest assembly, and backrest are designed as universal components that can be configured in multiple ways to create different furniture types (chairs, sofas, sectionals). This multi-functionality allows a limited set of standardized components to provide diverse comfort options and configurations, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components incorporate adjustable and movable elements that allow users to customize comfort levels and configurations. This dynamic adjustability within standardized components enables a limited SKU list to provide extensive configurability and comfort options.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional recliners extend both backrest and footrest simultaneously, then reclining function is provided, but independent adjustment is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism is segmented into independently controllable assemblies (footrest assembly and backrest assembly), each with its own actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve various seating positions without requiring complex interconnected mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Each assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities with independent control, allowing users to adjust the footrest and backrest to different positions separately. This dynamic independence simplifies the overall control mechanism while expanding the range of achievable seating positions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are furniture systems including at least one reclining assembly. The reclining assembly can be configured to seamlessly integrate and couple to a modular furniture assembly, having a footprint that substantially fits within the geometric specifications of the footprint of the modular furniture assembly. The reclining assembly can have a general appearance that is substantially similar to the modular furniture assembly when the reclining assembly is in the un-reclined position. The reclining assembly can include a reclining mechanism that permits transitioning the reclining assembly between a shallow and deep seat configuration. The reclining assembly can include a rotatable footrest panel. The reclining mechanism can include rotating gears that ride on gear rails, to effect the reclining movement and/or extension of the footrest panel.