Power Lift Furniture Mechanism With Zero-Gravity Tilt and Wall Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power lift furniture mechanisms cannot facilitate a rearward tilt motion to a zero gravity position while maintaining wall clearance at all seat back member positions.
Innovation Solution
A furniture member with a base frame, motor, torque tube, and multiple rotation links that allow for both forward lift and rearward tilt movements, maintaining wall clearance through a stiffening tube assembly and rotation links connected to support brackets and motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mechanism allows rearward tilt motion to zero gravity position, then occupant comfort and mobility are enhanced, but wall clearance is compromised at certain seat back member positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic motion control by enabling the mechanism to switch between different operational modes: forward lift mode for elevation and rearward tilt mode for zero gravity positioning. The rotation links and support tubes dynamically adjust their configuration based on the desired position, allowing the system to adapt its motion path to maintain wall clearance while achieving both lift and tilt functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the base frame with support tubes, the rotation links connecting to the seat back member, and the motor-driven torque tube. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's motion path, enabling the front end to lift forward while the rear end can tilt backward without interfering with wall clearance constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mechanism provides both forward lift and rearward tilt movements, then functionality is enhanced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality through a unified mechanism where the same base frame, support tubes, and rotation links serve dual purposes: enabling forward lift motion when the motor drives the torque tube in one direction, and enabling rearward tilt motion when driven in the opposite direction. This eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for lift and tilt functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the lift mechanism and tilt mechanism into a single integrated system. The motor, torque tube, and rotation links form a combined mechanism that performs both forward lift and rearward tilt operations through coordinated motion of the same components, reducing overall structural complexity compared to having separate independent mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture member has a base frame including first and second frame members each having a first or second frame support tube. A mechanism includes a motor connected to the base frame and a torque tube connected to first and second support brackets and the motor. A stiffening tube assembly has first and second side stiffening tubes, the first frame support tube connected to the first side stiffening tube and the second frame support tube connected to the second side stiffening tube. Multiple rotation links include a first set connected to the first frame support tube and the first side stiffening tube, and a second set connected to the second frame support tube and the second side stiffening tube. The rotation links allow mechanism rotation to a forward lift position by motor operation displacing the torque tube and thereby forwardly rotating and lifting the side stiffening tubes.