Quick-Mount Back Rest Coupling with Spring-Loaded Pin Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing office chair assembly processes are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple components and complex assembly procedures, which complicates self-assembly and increases packaging and transport costs due to weight and size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a swivel support mechanism with a frusto-conical socket, a connecting piece, and a spring-loaded pin system that allows easy mounting and rearward rotation of the back rest, utilizing a hinge mechanism with L-shaped slots and a coil spring for secure locking and quick release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional screw-based coupling is used to securely attach back rest and seating portion, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate modular components: a coupling element with engagement protrusions and a corresponding receptacle with engagement surfaces. These segmented parts can be independently manufactured and assembled without requiring complex screw-fastening operations, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining connection strength through precise geometric engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element and receptacle are designed to self-align and self-lock through their geometric features (protrusions and engagement surfaces). The back rest and seating portion automatically secure themselves when brought together, eliminating the need for external fastening tools or complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing assembly time while ensuring strong connection.
2Quantity of substance
If components are sent separately to reduce packaging and transport costs, then packaging efficiency is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is divided into major separable components (back rest, seating portion, support structure) that can be packaged separately to optimize space and reduce transport costs. Each component includes simplified coupling elements that maintain ease of assembly despite the separation, preventing complexity from increasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element and receptacle design serves multiple functions: it enables easy assembly/disassembly for separate packaging, provides secure mechanical connection during use, and allows for component separation for transport. This multi-functionality ensures that packaging efficiency improves without compromising assembly simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If back rest is hinged to support box with elastic support element, then rotational movement is enabled, but mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism and elastic support element are merged into an integrated coupling system where the coupling element with protrusions directly engages with the receptacle on the support box. The elastic element is incorporated within this unified structure, allowing rotational movement while maintaining simple mounting through geometric engagement rather than separate hinge and spring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the hinge pivot point for rotational movement, incorporates the elastic support element for cushioning and force management, and creates the mechanical connection between back rest and support box. This multi-functionality enables rotational adaptability while keeping the mounting mechanism simple and unified.
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 rapid and easy assembly/disassembly of office chairs, reducing component count and weight, facilitating efficient packaging and transport while ensuring secure attachment of the back rest during use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (28) acting against a transverse baffle (30) provided in the plate (14)
Implementation Method 2
a frusto-conical socket (3) for the insertion of the upper end of a column (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A device for connecting a back rest to the seating portion support mechanism for chairs, comprising: - a first part (2) pertaining to the mechanism, - a second part (46) pertaining to the back rest (42), - a pair of pins (18, 20), at least one of which is applied to the first part (second part), - a pair of open slots (50, 52), at least one of which pertains to the second part (first part), said slots forming housings (54, 56) for said pins (18, 20), - elastic means (28) acting on at least one of said pins or said housings, -the distance between the axes of said pins or said housings being modifiable temporarily against the action of said elastic means (28) during the engagement of said second part (46) in said first part (2), characterised in that said open slots (50, 52) present an inclined surface (60) which, by acting against one of said pins (18, 20), causes temporary modification of the distance between axes of said pins, so facilitating engagement of said pin (18, 20) in said housing seat (54, 56).