Powered Recliner Chair with Single-Motor Multi-Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powered recliner chairs require multiple motors to support heavy loads and provide multi-positional functions, making them large, expensive, and limited to local control.
Innovation Solution
A powered recliner chair system with at least one actuator drive motor and a controller that uses electrical pulses to control reorientation from various orientations, allowing for both local and remote control, and potentially reducing the need for multiple motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motors are used to support heavy loads and provide multi-positional functions, then the chair can achieve required functionality and load support, but the device size, cost, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single motor that performs multiple functions: it provides both the power drive function for extending the leg rest, lifting the chair, and reclining the chair, as well as the power return function for returning the chair to the normal seated position. This multi-functional motor replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate motors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining load support capability and multi-positional functionality.
2Device complexity
If a power drive function is combined with a power return function in a single drive mechanism, then the chair structure is simplified, but the control complexity increases due to bidirectional control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through bidirectional control of the single motor. The controller alternates the motor's rotation direction based on the desired chair position: rotating in a first direction to extend the leg rest, lift the chair, or recline the chair, and rotating in a second (opposite) direction to return the chair to the normal seated position. This periodic bidirectional control simplifies the mechanical structure while managing control complexity through systematic direction switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rocking chair mechanisms are used, then the chair can rock forward and backward, but the user must exert force on the chair body, preventing relaxation and causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical rocking mechanism (which requires user force application) with an electrically-driven rocking mechanism. A motor rotates a rocking shaft that directly drives the rocking motion of the chair body through a rocking bracket, eliminating the need for the user to exert force. This substitution of mechanical user-driven motion with an electrically-driven system maintains the rocking function while significantly improving user comfort and relaxation.
Data Source
AI summary
Powered chairs, assemblies for use in the powered chairs, and components for use in the assemblies are provided. Electrical systems for use in the powered chairs, and components for use in the electrical systems are provided. Control systems and methods for operating powered chairs are also provided. Any given chair may be locally and/or remotely controlled.


