Powered Recliner Chair Control for Remote Seating Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powered recliner chairs require multiple motors for multi-positional functions, leading to large and expensive units, and are typically controlled only locally, lacking remote operation capabilities and efficient power management.
Innovation Solution
A venue seating management system with a chair controller that integrates various inputs (local user control, remote control, sensors, and power management) and outputs (actuators, lighting, power supply) to enable remote operation, efficient power distribution, and automated chair positioning, using a smart power supply to manage power demand and prevent simultaneous chair activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used for multi-positional functions, then the chair can provide lift, tilt, leg rest extension, and reclining functions, but the chair becomes extremely large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
A single motor is designed to perform multiple functions (lift, tilt, leg rest extension, and reclining) through a unified drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function. This reduces the overall size and cost while maintaining full multi-positional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple drive functions are merged into a single integrated motor assembly that can sequentially or simultaneously execute different chair positioning tasks, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple independent motor systems into one compact unit.
2Ease of operation
If power-assisted chairs include separate linkage mechanisms for leg rest extension and reclining, then the chair can provide precise control over each function, but the chair requires multiple motors and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor is equipped with control systems that enable precise execution of different functions through sequential operation or coordinated movement, maintaining operational precision without requiring separate motors for each linkage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow the single motor to adapt its torque and speed characteristics for different functions, providing precise control over leg rest extension, reclining, and other movements through software-controlled motor behavior rather than mechanical complexity.
3Strength
If power-assisted chairs are designed to support heavy loads above 300 pounds, then the chair can accommodate heavier users, but multiple motors are required
Solution Approach 1:
A single high-torque motor with enhanced mechanical advantage through optimized linkage geometry replaces what would traditionally require multiple lower-torque motors, using improved mechanical leverage and force distribution to support heavy loads with one motor unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor selection and mechanical parameters are optimized for high-load capacity, with the single motor configured to deliver sufficient torque for heavy users through modified gear ratios, linkage arm lengths, and force transmission paths that maximize mechanical advantage.
4Reliability
If chairs are controlled only via local controller, then the chair operation is simple and reliable, but remote operation capabilities and efficient power management are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
A central control system acts as an intermediary between local user interfaces and the chair actuators, enabling both local and remote operation while maintaining reliable control through a standardized communication protocol that coordinates multiple control sources without compromising system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to accept multiple types of control inputs (local buttons, remote controls, centralized venue management) and translate them into unified actuator commands, providing versatile control capabilities while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of the underlying chair operation through a single standardized control interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Powered recliner chairs, assemblies for use in the chairs, and components for use in the assemblies are provided. Electrical systems for use in the chairs, and components for use in the electrical systems are provided. Control systems and methods for operating powered recliner chairs are also provided. Any given chair may be locally and/or remotely controlled.