Motorized Footrest Nesting Design for Space-Constrained Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seating/reclining furniture with adjustable footrests faces challenges in space constraints below the seat surface, limiting the installation of motor-driven footrest arrangements without compromising functionality or design aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a servomotor and housing actuator system that can be retracted and extended, positioned between the front and rear cross members, allowing for space-saving actuation and adjustment of the footrest, enabling motorized footrest operation without increasing the overall depth of the furniture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor-driven footrest arrangement is integrated into seating furniture, then the footrest becomes motor-adjustable improving user comfort and ease of operation, but the installation space requirement below the seat increases, leading to greater furniture depth
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator motor is integrated into the housing structure, with the actuating element nested within the housing. The actuating element can be extended and retracted by the actuator motor while remaining contained within the housing boundaries, allowing motorized operation without proportionally increasing the overall furniture depth
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is arranged between the front crossbar and the rear actuating element in a spatial configuration that utilizes available installation space efficiently. The actuator motor is positioned to interact with the actuating element through a compact arrangement, converting linear actuation into rotational movement of the crossbar through an articulated connection, thereby achieving motorized footrest adjustment within limited depth constraints
2Extent of automation
If the footrest arrangement is designed with sufficient depth to accommodate motor components, then motorization becomes feasible, but the backrest cannot extend below the seat surface due to space obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuation system is segmented into distinct components: the actuator motor, the housing, and the actuating element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a compact overall arrangement that does not obstruct the backrest's ability to extend below the seat surface
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable by the actuator motor, rather than being a fixed rigid structure. This dynamic capability allows the actuation mechanism to occupy minimal space in its retracted state, clearing the path for the backrest to extend below the seat surface while enabling motorized footrest adjustment when extended
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to seating/reclining furniture, in particular an armchair or chair, with a back part (11), a seat part (13) and an adjustable footrest arrangement which can be switched between a folded-in basic position below a seat surface (15) of the seat part and a folded-out use position relative to the seat part can be pivoted, wherein the footrest arrangement comprises a frame (17) and a foot part (19) that can be pivoted relative to the frame, and wherein, for pivoting the foot part, an adjusting element (23), the length of which can be changed by means of a servomotor (21), on a front cross brace fixed to the frame (25) and is connected to a movable rear adjusting crossbar (127).