Motorized Foldable Leg Rest for Stretch Support in Chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chairs do not adequately address leg discomfort and fatigue during long periods of sitting, such as on vehicle trips, as they lack a mechanism to support legs in a stretched position.
Innovation Solution
A foldable leg rest system with a three-stage drive mechanism, including first, second, and third stage DC motors and drive rods, allows the legs to be stretched and supported through pivoting frames and an adjustable footrest, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional chair is used for long periods, then the basic seating function is provided, but the legs become tired and numb due to lack of support in stretched position
Solution Approach 1:
The leg rest is divided into two separate folding frames (first folding frame and second folding frame) that can be independently controlled by separate DC motors. This segmentation allows each frame to be adjusted to different positions and angles, providing versatile leg support while keeping the control system manageable through modular motor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg rest structure serves multiple functions: it can be adjusted to various angles and positions to support different leg lengths and preferences, can be folded away when not needed, and provides both elevated and extended leg positioning options. This multi-functionality addresses diverse user needs without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If a foldable leg rest with multi-stage drive mechanism is added to provide leg stretching support, then comfort is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg rest employs folding frames that can dynamically adjust between folded and unfolded states, and between different angular positions. The DC motors provide dynamic control allowing the user to easily transition between various leg positions. This dynamic design enables simple operation for achieving comfortable leg positions while the folding mechanism inherently reduces complexity by eliminating the need for complex locking systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If folding frames are used to support legs in stretched position, then leg comfort is improved, but the area occupied by the chair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first folding frame and second folding frame are designed to fold parallel to the seat when not in use, nesting within the overall chair structure. This nesting approach allows the leg rest to provide full leg stretching support when needed while occupying minimal additional space during normal seating, effectively resolving the conflict between adaptability and space occupation.
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 system effectively extends the chair's functionality by allowing leg stretching and adjustable foot support, thereby improving comfort and minimizing fatigue for users.
Implementation Method 1
two first stage DC motors and a drive rod. Each of the angle adjusters is disposed between one of the sides of the front end of the seat and one of the sides of the rear end of the first folding frame
Implementation Method 2
The pivot member is secured to the angle adjustment plate and the bottom surface of the first folding frame. The first stage DC motors are respectively disposed on the sides of the front end of the seat adjacent to the angle adjusters
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable leg rest has a seat, a first folding frame and a first stage drive mechanism. The first folding frame is pivotally connected to the seat. The first stage drive mechanism includes two angle adjusters, two first stage DC motors and a drive rod. Each of the angle adjusters is disposed between one of opposite sides of the seat and one of opposite sides of the first folding frame. The first stage DC motors are respectively disposed on the sides of the seat. The drive rod is connected between the angle adjusters. In use, the first stage DC motors are actuated to drive the drive rod and the angle adjusters such that the first folding frame is pivoted relative to the seat.