Universal Powered Rocking Mechanism for Smooth Chair Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered rocking chair systems face challenges such as difficulty in balancing the chair before motor engagement, limited versatility for different chair sizes and widths, heat buildup from continuous electrical use, jerking motions due to linear motion cycles, and restriction of rocking styles, which affect comfort and usability.
Innovation Solution
A universal powered rocking system with a dual rocking apparatus that allows for easy mounting and transfer between chairs of varying sizes, eliminates the need for attachment hardware, and provides multiple rocking motion styles by using a motor mechanism with internal gears and adjustable bearing arms to smooth out motion transitions, reducing load on the motor and enhancing chair balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a powered rocking system is mounted on a chair, then the chair can rock automatically without manual propulsion, but the system becomes difficult to balance before motor engagement and requires complex attachment hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The rocking system is divided into separate modular components: a motor assembly, a linkage mechanism, and mounting brackets that can be independently positioned and attached to different chair types, eliminating the need for a complex integrated mounting system
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed with adjustable brackets and universal attachment points that can accommodate various chair sizes and frame structures, allowing the same system to be installed on multiple chair types without custom hardware
2Duration of action of moving object
If continuous electrical power is supplied to the motor mechanism, then the chair can maintain rocking motion, but heat buildup occurs causing safety problems
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, with intervals of operation followed by rest periods that allow cooling, maintaining rocking capability while preventing excessive heat accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism incorporates springs and dampers that store and release energy during each rocking cycle, maintaining continuous motion during motor rest periods and reducing the frequency and duration of motor operation, thereby reducing heat generation
3Device complexity
If a linear motion cycle is used to power the rocking motion, then the motor drive is simplified, but jerking motions occur reducing comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism uses curved guide rails and articulated arms that convert the motor's linear motion into a smooth curved trajectory, eliminating jerking motions while maintaining mechanical simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage incorporates variable ratio connections where the mechanical advantage changes continuously throughout the rocking cycle, smoothing out velocity transitions and eliminating abrupt starts and stops while keeping the motor drive straightforward
4Ease of manufacture
If the rocking system is designed for a specific chair size, then the mounting is simplified, but the system cannot be transferred to chairs of different sizes and widths
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets feature adjustable positioning slots and movable attachment points that can be reconfigured for different chair dimensions, maintaining simple installation procedures while adapting to various chair sizes and widths
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized mounting interfaces and proportional scaling design elements that allow the same basic mounting procedure to be applied across different chair types, achieving both simplicity and versatility
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
The system ensures comfortable, smooth rocking motion with adjustable styles, balances chairs without hardware attachment, extends motor life by reducing load, and accommodates different chair sizes, enhancing user convenience and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a motor mechanism with internal gears
Implementation Method 2
motor mechanism with internal gears
Data Source
AI summary
A universal powered rocking system is disclosed with the ability to change between different styles and size chairs and different rocking motion styles in a single embodiment and with a unique mounting method to easily interchanging the universal powered rocking system with different chairs by a single user or permanently replace the feet or foundation of a chair. A universal powered rocking system with the ability to rock the chair while allowing the chair to use its original functions such as a pawl ratchet latching system and stationary style chair which have no means of manually rocking. A universal powered rocking system that the chair is constantly balanced on the rocking apparatus for operations and eliminates the jerky motion inherent to the linear motion.