Power Reclining Seat Mechanism With Independent Footrest Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reclining seating units often require the footrest to be extended before the backrest can recline, limiting flexibility and functionality, and may not incorporate power actuation for enhanced user experience.
Innovation Solution
A reclining seating unit design featuring a base, arm frame, seat, backrest, and footrest unit, with a reclining mechanism and footrest mechanism controlled by first and second linear actuators respectively, allowing independent movement of the backrest and footrest between upright and reclined positions, and retracted and extended positions, respectively, with the actuators pivotally mounted to enable smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the backrest and footrest are coupled such that backrest reclining requires the footrest to be extended first, then the reclining mechanism is simplified, but the flexibility and functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reclining system into two independent mechanisms: a footrest mechanism for extending/retracting the footrest, and a reclining mechanism for reclining the backrest. This segmentation allows each mechanism to operate independently, providing flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If manual mechanisms are used for backrest reclining and footrest extension, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and user experience are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with power actuators (electric motors) to drive both the footrest mechanism and reclining mechanism. This substitution provides effortless operation for the user while the mechanical complexity is managed through the use of standard actuator components and control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power actuators are added to enable independent backrest reclining and footrest extension, then the ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal actuator components that can serve multiple functions. The first linear actuator is configured to perform both footrest extension and backrest reclining operations, reducing the total number of actuators needed. Additionally, the actuator system integrates with existing mechanical linkages to achieve multiple functions without proportionally increasing component count.
Data Source
AI summary
A reclining seating unit includes: a base; an arm frame; a seat having a seat frame; a backrest mounted and pivotally interconnected to the seat frame; a footrest unit; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat and the backrest, the reclining mechanism configured to control relative movement of the seat and backrest between upright and reclined positions; a footrest mechanism attached to the seat, the footrest unit, and the arm frame, the footrest mechanism configured to control relative movement of the footrest unit and the seat between retracted and extended positions; a first linear actuator attached to the reclining mechanism and to the seat configured to move the seat and backrest between the upright and reclined positions; and a second linear actuator attached to the footrest mechanism and to the seat configured to move the footrest unit between the retracted and extended positions.