Multi-Position Chair with Front Pivot and Flat Armrest Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chairs often require multiple seating options for different activities, leading to increased costs, space constraints, and inconvenience due to complex mechanisms or large footprints, and they compromise armrest functionality during transitions between seating positions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position chair with a front pivot mechanism below the knee area allows seamless transition between upright and reclined positions, maintaining flat armrests for object support, and incorporates a lift mechanism for height adjustment, a five-star base for mobility, and various ergonomic features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional recliners and adjustable chairs are designed to provide multiple seating positions, then seating versatility is improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is divided into distinct functional modules: a seat assembly, a backrest assembly, and an armrest assembly, each with specific pivot mechanisms. The seat assembly pivots at a front pivot point below the knee area, while the backrest has its own pivot mechanism, allowing independent adjustment of each section to achieve multiple seating positions without requiring a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The chair is designed as a multi-functional seating system that can serve as both an upright dining chair and a reclined lounge chair. The armrests are designed to remain flat and stable across all positions, making them universally usable for holding objects whether the chair is upright or reclined, eliminating the need for separate dining and reclining chairs
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional recliners are designed to provide multiple seating positions, then seating versatility is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chair merges multiple seating functions (dining, office work, relaxation) into a single unit. By integrating the upright and reclined positions in one chair with a shared base and frame structure, the design eliminates the need for separate dining chairs and recliners, optimizing space in environments where flexibility is essential
Solution Approach 2:
The chair serves as a universal seating solution that replaces multiple specialized chairs. The ability to transition between upright and reclined positions while maintaining functional armrests makes it suitable for both workspace and relaxation environments, reducing the total furniture footprint
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional reclining chairs transition between positions, then seating versatility is improved, but armrest stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The armrests are designed as separate assemblies with their own pivot mechanisms that are independently controlled from the seat and backrest movements. This segmentation allows the armrests to maintain their flat orientation while the seat and backrest transition between positions, preserving stability for holding objects
Solution Approach 2:
The armrests incorporate dynamic pivot mechanisms that allow them to adapt their position slightly during transitions while maintaining overall stability. The armrests can rotate or adjust angle in response to the changing chair position, ensuring they remain usable for holding beverages, electronic devices, or reading materials throughout the transition
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are example embodiments of a chair including a seat and a backrest configured as a single unit. The chair further includes a frame supporting the seat and backrest. The chair also includes a front pivot mechanism positioned below a knee area of a seated user, the front pivot mechanism enabling the seat and backrest to transition between an upright position and a reclined position. Additionally, the chair includes a pair of armrests coupled to the seat and backrest, the armrests maintaining a substantially flat orientation throughout the transition between the upright position and the reclined position. The chair further includes a lift mechanism coupled to the frame and the seat and backrest, the lift mechanism configured to adjust a vertical position of the seat and backrest relative to the frame.