Motorized adjustable back support for recliner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized adjustment mechanisms for recliner chairs, particularly in slim and lightweight designs, face issues with durability and longevity due to wire breakage and pump maintenance, necessitating a more reliable movement transfer through rigid structures.
Innovation Solution
A motorized adjustable back support system featuring a tubular metal frame with a motor-driven horizontal rotation bar, adjustment arms with flexible elongate units, and a wear-resistant, low-friction incision or molding for smooth movement transfer to the backrest, utilizing a serpentine spring for comfortable and durable adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If wire or pump mechanisms are used for motorized adjustment, then the recliner can achieve lightweight and slim construction, but the mechanism durability decreases due to wire breakage and pump maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wire and pump mechanisms with a rigid mechanical linkage system consisting of a rotation bar, adjustment arms, and flexible elongate units. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues of wires breaking and pumps leaking while maintaining the motorized adjustment functionality through a more durable mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible elongate units that can dynamically adjust their configuration between neutral and extended positions as the rotation bar turns. This dynamic flexibility allows the rigid mechanical system to accommodate movement requirements while maintaining structural integrity and durability.
2Reliability
If rigid structures are used for movement transfer, then mechanism reliability improves, but the structure becomes less slim and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rigid structure into segmented components: a rotation bar, multiple adjustment arms, and flexible elongate units. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving reliable movement transfer without requiring a single heavy rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible elongate units that function as thin, flexible connectors between the rigid adjustment arms. These flexible units enable movement transfer through a slim profile while the overall mechanism maintains reliability through its rigid structural framework.
3Ease of operation
If frequent adjustment movements are enabled, then user comfort improves, but wear and tear on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction parameter at the contact interface by lining the incision with wear-resistant, low-friction material. This parameter change allows frequent adjustment movements to occur with reduced wear, extending component lifespan while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a wear-resistant lining material in the incision area that can be replaced or is designed to withstand extensive wear from frequent adjustments. This protects the main structural components from wear while allowing continuous operation.
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
The solution provides a lightweight, durable, and comfortable adjustable back support mechanism that enhances the lifespan of recliner chairs by ensuring reliable and low-friction movement transfer, reducing wear and tear on components, and maintaining comfort over the chair's lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustments arms have a flexible elongate unit stretching between their respective outer ends, and wherein the adjustment arms can move flexible elongate unit from a neutral to an extended position, corresponding to a rotation of the rotation bar
Implementation Method 2
the incision is lined with a wear resistant, low friction material
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to motorized adjustable back support for recliner chair comprising a back frame and means for transforming the power of a motor to a rotational movement of a horizontal rotation bar which is rotationally connected to the frame. The back support further comprises two adjustment arms each fixed on each side of the rotation bar close to the respective sides of the frame wherein the adjustments arms are parallel and have a flexible elongate unit stretching between their respective outer ends, and wherein the adjustment arms can move from a neutral to an extended position, corresponding to a rotation of the rotation bar. Furthermore the flexible elongate unit is rotationally connected to the end of each adjustment arm and the backrest comprises an incision into which the flexible elongate unit is positioned, wherein the incision starts near a rear bottom corner of the backrest over the full width of the backrest and extends upward and into the backrest in such a way that the flexible elongate unit is positioned where the lower back of a user is expected to be, wherein the incision is lined with a wear resistant, low friction material.