Mechanism for actuating an adjusting device of an office-type chair and an associated adjusting device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjusting devices for office chairs are not optimally designed for ease of use and structural simplicity, often requiring users to adopt uncomfortable positions to operate, and previous solutions, such as wire connections, do not fully address the need for convenient and efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism featuring a motion transmission system that converts rotational motion into axial movement of a locking pin, using a switching lever and cable mechanism to actuate the locking assembly, allowing for comfortable and efficient adjustment of chair tilt without impairing the actuating features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rotating knob is located in proximity with the box structure and axially with the adjusting pin, then the adjusting device can be actuated, but the user must stretch themselves under the seat by taking uncomfortable and awkward positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A cable is introduced as an intermediary element connecting the pushbutton to the locking pin mechanism. The cable transmits the actuating force from the pushbutton (positioned for user comfort) to the locking pin, enabling the user to operate the device from a convenient position without directly manipulating components under the seat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a wire connection is interposed between the adjusting pin and the spring pushbutton to position the pushbutton in a more comfortable position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural simplicity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstructural simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable serves as a flexible intermediary that connects distant components (pushbutton and locking pin) without requiring complex rigid linkages or additional mechanical structures. This maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling comfortable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable, being a flexible element, allows for simple routing and connection between components positioned at different locations. Its flexibility enables it to accommodate the spatial arrangement needed for comfortable user operation without adding structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3096650B1Mechanism for actuating an adjusting device of an office-type chair and an associated adjusting device
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 L I M A SNC DI RICCARDO ED ELISA BECCEGATO
  • EP3096650B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3096650B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3096650B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8

AI summary

Mechanism (4) for actuating an adjusting device (2) of an office-type chair (1) comprising a locking assembly (4) provided with a locking pin (5) which is axially movable from a locking position to an unlocking position in contrast with a resiliently deformable element (6, 7), and comprising a motion transmission (10) to convert a rotary motion to a translational motion coupled to said locking assembly (4), said transmission (10) being adapted to actuate the axial movement of said locking pin (5) by means of a rotation of a switching lever (20), the switching lever (20) being rotatably coupled to a supporting block (30) which is coupled to said chair (2), connecting means (40) being interposed between said transmission (10) and said switching lever (2).