Modular Reclining Back Mechanism for Disassemblable Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recliner mechanisms are complex, preventing disassembly of the back from the base frame and requiring specific cross-beam configurations, which limits manufacturing and transportation of uniform seating units of various sizes and styles.
Innovation Solution
A reclining back mechanism that is separable from the backrest, housed within a stationary base, allowing for interchangeable cross beams and a gas cylinder actuator with a release mechanism for adjustable inclination, enabling disassembly and assembly of multiple base widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing recliner mechanisms are used, then the backrest inclination can be controlled, but the mechanism prevents disassembly of the back from the base frame and requires specific cross-beam configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The recliner mechanism is divided into separate modular components: the base frame with mounting brackets, the backrest with arms, and the actuator system. This segmentation allows the backrest to be disassembled from the base frame for manufacturing and shipping efficiency while maintaining full reclination functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets and arms are designed with universal mounting holes that accommodate multiple cross-beam configurations and base widths. This universality enables the same mechanism components to be used across different seating unit sizes and styles, eliminating the need for size-specific mechanism designs.
2Ease of operation
If existing recliner mechanisms are used, then the backrest inclination can be controlled, but the mechanism requires particular cross-beam configurations sized for each specific width
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets incorporate multiple mounting holes arranged in patterns that accommodate various cross-beam widths and configurations. This universal design allows a single bracket design to work with different base frame sizes, enabling production of uniform mechanism components for multiple seating unit specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism allows for adjustable mounting positions through the multiple mounting holes, enabling dynamic adaptation to different cross-beam configurations. This flexibility permits the same mechanism to be adapted to various base widths without requiring size-specific design variations.
3Shape
If the mechanism is housed internal to the seating unit, then it is hidden from view, but this prohibits disassembly and limits manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is segmented into modular components that can be separately manufactured and assembled. The backrest assembly with arms and actuator can be manufactured independently from the base frame, then quickly assembled using the mounting brackets, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency and enabling flat-pack shipping configurations.
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
Facilitates the disassembly and assembly of reclining chairs, allowing for the production of various sizes and styles while maintaining the ability to adjust the backrest inclination, improving manufacturing efficiency and shipping logistics.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is typically a gas cylinder with a release valve that is actuated by a release mechanism. When the release mechanism is not activated, the gas cylinder is rigid and holds the reclining back mechanism in a fixed orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating unit has a base pivotably coupled to a back by a reclining mechanism, which has a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the base side members. The arms are coupled to a rearward transverse member that swings forward and compresses a cylinder actuator as the user reclines the back. The opposed end of the actuator is coupled to a forward transverse member, which is in turn coupled between the base side members. The actuator has a release valve that is operated by pulling a manual lever of a release mechanism. The release mechanism frees the cylinder actuator from a rigid position thereby allowing the user to force the back rearward or allowing the predisposed extension force of the cylinder to return the reclining back to the fully upright position. Discontinuing the release mechanism will cause the actuator to arrest the back in a reclined position.