Motorized Telescoping Calf Support for Sleeper Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seating assemblies lack effective adjustable leg support mechanisms that provide comfort and aesthetic integration, especially in sleeper seats, where users need enhanced support for extended periods of rest or sleep.
Innovation Solution
The seating assembly incorporates a rotatable calf support with a motorized extension system, where a first motor rotates the calf support outward by approximately 90 degrees, and a second motor moves an extendable support linearly, allowing for automatic deployment and retraction, enhancing comfort and support during sleep or rest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a calf support is added to provide leg support, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension is nested within the calf support structure, with the extension telescoping in and out of the calf support. This allows the leg support functionality to be integrated within the existing seat structure rather than adding a completely separate mechanism, thereby improving comfort while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the calf support is made extendable to accommodate different user needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calf support includes an extendable portion that can dynamically adjust its length to accommodate different user leg lengths and positioning needs. The extension telescopes in and out of the calf support body, allowing the structure to adapt its dimensions while maintaining a compact form when not in use, thus improving adaptability without permanently increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If automatic deployment mechanism is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calf support and extension are designed to deploy and retract automatically through their telescoping mechanism without requiring manual intervention. The mechanism self-adjusts to provide leg support when the seat is in appropriate positions, eliminating the need for additional motors or complex control systems while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating assembly includes a seat operably coupled with a seatback. A calf support is rotatably coupled with the seat. A first motor is proximate the calf support and rotates the calf support outward approximately 90 degrees from a design position to a deployed position. An extension telescopingly engages with the calf support. A second motor is operably coupled with the extension and is configured to move the extension outward.