Pivoting mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel mechanisms for office chairs are structurally complex, require significant space, and have multiple components, including separate energy storage elements like steel springs, making them costly and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A swivel mechanism with an integrated, elastically deformable energy storage element that is part of the base support, eliminating the need for separate components and allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate energy storage elements like steel springs are used, then the mechanism provides reliable energy storage and pivoting resistance, but the structure becomes complex and requires significant installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy storage element with the base support into a single integrated component. The elastically deformable element is formed as an integral part of the base support, eliminating the need for separate spring assemblies and reducing the number of components while maintaining the energy storage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The base support is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables pivoting movement, and incorporates the energy storage function through the integrated elastically deformable element. This multi-functional design reduces overall mechanism complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for energy storage, then the mechanism achieves desired functionality, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the energy storage element into the base support as a single component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Force
If traditional separate energy storage components are used, then the mechanism provides sufficient pivoting resistance, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the energy storage element within the base support structure eliminates the need for separate space-consuming spring assemblies. The elastically deformable element is incorporated into the existing base support footprint, significantly reducing the installation space while maintaining pivoting resistance.
4Force
If steel spring elements are used for energy storage, then the mechanism achieves desired pivoting behavior, but the weight increases and recycling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional steel springs to elastically deformable plastic material. This material substitution reduces weight while maintaining the elastic properties needed for energy storage and pivoting resistance, and also improves recyclability.
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 solution simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, and minimizes installation space while maintaining the desired seating and pivoting behavior, with the added benefit of using plastic materials for reduced weight and simplified recycling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastically deformable energy storage element (8), which is integrally formed with one of the mechanical components (1, 3, 4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a swivel mechanism (10) for seating furniture, in particular an office chair. Specifically, the invention relates to a synchronous mechanism for a correlated seat-backrest movement of seating furniture, in particular an office chair, comprising a base support (1) placeable on a chair column (20), a seat support (3), and a backrest support (4). To provide a structurally simple swivel mechanism (10) that requires minimal installation space, it is proposed to form at least one elastically deformable energy storage element (8) integrally with one of the mechanism components (1, 3, 4).