Power Rocker-Recliner Linkage With Locking Ottoman Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rocker-recliner chairs lack additional functionality beyond their basic rocking and reclining capabilities, limiting user experience and comfort options.
Innovation Solution
A rocking and reclining seating unit with a base unit, a horizontally-disposed seat, an upright backrest, an extendable ottoman, and a reclining mechanism comprising pivotally interconnected links, along with a power actuating unit that allows the chair to transition between upright, intermediate, and fully reclined positions, incorporating a pantographic linkage and locking mechanism to secure the ottoman in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rocker-recliner chairs are used, then basic rocking and reclining capabilities are provided, but additional functionality and user experience options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power actuator enables the seating unit to perform multiple functions: it controls both the reclining mechanism for backrest adjustment and the ottoman extension/retraction, allowing a single device to provide diverse positioning options including upright, reclined, and extended configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The ottoman is positioned within the footprint of the seat when retracted, nesting the ottoman structure inside the overall seating unit boundaries, allowing extended functionality without increasing the occupied space when not in use
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then simple mechanism is maintained, but user comfort and controlled motion are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power actuator replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor-driven system, providing controlled powered motion for both the reclining mechanism and ottoman extension, thereby enhancing user comfort through automated adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The power actuator automatically controls the movement between upright and reclined positions as well as ottoman extension and retraction, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and providing self-adjusting functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A rocking and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a rocker mechanism attached with the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the rocker mechanism configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to experience a longitudinally-directed rocking motion relative to the base unit; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism. The actuating unit is configured to move the chair between an upright position, an intermediate TV position, and a fully reclined position.