Powered Glider Recliner Linkage for Independent Back and Leg Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reclining furniture mechanisms lack efficient electrically powered operation for independent movement of leg rest and seat back assemblies in forward and rearward gliding motions, relying on manual operation and limited by rocking mechanisms that restrict displacement.
Innovation Solution
A glider furniture member with an electrically powered drive assembly and actuation mechanism, featuring a frame with upright posts and rotatably connected links, allowing independent rotation of the leg rest and seat back assemblies for forward and rearward gliding motions, enabling both leg rest extension/retraction and seat back reclining/reclining positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for leg rest and seat back actuation, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring occupant force and limited displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an electrically powered drive assembly. The drive assembly includes an electric motor that independently actuates the leg rest assembly and seat back member through drive links, eliminating the need for manual force application and complex mechanical linkages required for manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The furniture member actuates itself through the electrically powered drive assembly that automatically moves the leg rest and seat back without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by using electric power to perform the actuation functions that would otherwise require occupant force.
2Extent of automation
If rocking mechanism is used to support the actuation mechanism, then stability is improved, but extent of automation deteriorates due to limited forward and rearward motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rocking mechanism with an electrically powered drive system that provides automated actuation. The drive assembly uses electric motors to independently control the leg rest and seat back movements, achieving full automation while eliminating the displacement limitations of rocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static rocking mechanism with fixed motion arcs to a dynamic electrically powered system that can independently control the position and movement of leg rest and seat back components, enabling automated operation across the full range of motion.
3Length of moving object
If elongated linkage members are used for gliding motion, then forward and rearward displacement is increased, but device complexity increases due to suspended mechanism structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gliding motion function with the electrically powered drive assembly. The drive links that provide elongated movement paths are integrated into the same structure that provides powered actuation, eliminating the need for separate suspended mechanism structures while maintaining increased displacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive links in the electrically powered system serve multiple functions: they provide the elongated path for increased displacement, transmit mechanical power from the motors, and enable both gliding motion and actuation control in a single integrated structure.
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
Enables seamless, electrically powered forward and rearward gliding motions with increased displacement, independent of occupant-induced force, enhancing user convenience and flexibility in furniture configuration.
Implementation Method 1
An electrically powered drive assembly connected to the actuation mechanism operates to rotate the leg rest assembly and the seat back member
Implementation Method 2
an actuation mechanism suspended from the frame permitting forward and rearward gliding motions of the actuation mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A glider furniture member adapted for electrically powered operation includes a frame having a plurality of upright posts. A plurality of links are individually rotatably connected to individual ones of the plurality of upright posts. An actuation mechanism suspended from the upright posts at rotatably connected free ends of each of the links permits forward and rearward gliding motions of the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a leg rest assembly movable between a fully retracted and a fully extended position inclusive. An electrically powered drive assembly connected to the actuation mechanism rotates the leg rest assembly and the seat back member independently of an occupant induced force operating to move the actuation mechanism in the forward and rearward gliding motions.