Pivoting Swing-Link Lumbar Support for Reclining Chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional residential seating units often lack adjustable lumbar support or have complex mechanisms, necessitating an economical and simple solution for reclining seating units.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable lumbar support mechanism featuring pivotally coupled swing links and an actuating mechanism that extends the lumbar support, allowing for customizable positioning through a pair of swing links and an actuating mechanism coupled to the back frame and lumbar support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If no lumbar support or fixed lumbar support is provided in conventional seating units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and user comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support mechanism transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position. The swing link assembly allows the lumbar support to move between retracted and extended positions, providing dynamic adaptation to user needs while maintaining mechanical simplicity through gravity-assisted movement and spring-based actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar support mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: swing links for position adjustment, actuating mechanism for control, and spring elements for force application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system simple and maintainable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated adjustable lumbar support mechanism is used, then the lumbar support adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through the interaction of gravity, spring force, and user input. The spring element automatically provides the necessary force to extend the lumbar support when activated, and gravity assists in returning it to the retracted position, eliminating the need for complex motors or electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as swing links, springs, and actuating elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These components avoid the use of expensive electronics, motors, or complex assemblies, making the overall system cost-effective and easy to produce.
3Ease of operation
If an adjustable lumbar support mechanism is added to seating units, then the user comfort and support quality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swing link assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates simple user input (activating the actuating mechanism) into the desired lumbar support extension. This intermediary structure provides mechanical advantage and smooth motion while keeping the control system simple, thereby improving user comfort without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Provides enhanced, customizable lumbar support for users by allowing the lumbar support to be easily adjusted between retracted and extended positions, improving comfort and usability in residential seating units.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of spaced apart swing links that are pivotally coupled on an upper end to the back frame of the seating unit. The lower free end of each swing link is coupled to a lumbar support.
Implementation Method 2
An actuating mechanism is coupled on an upper end to the back frame, and on a lower end is pivotally coupled to the lumbar support. Extending the shaft of the actuating mechanism extends the lumbar support providing additional support
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable lumbar support mechanism for adjusting a position of a lumbar support in a seating unit is provided. The mechanism includes a pair of spaced apart swing links that are pivotally coupled on an upper end to the back frame of the seating unit. The lower free end of each swing link is coupled to a lumbar support. An actuating mechanism is coupled on an upper end to the back frame, and on a lower end is pivotally coupled to the lumbar support. Extending the shaft of the actuating mechanism extends the lumbar support providing additional support to someone sitting in the seating unit.