Recliner Headrest Linkage for Thin Backrests and Tall Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recliner chairs face styling limitations due to fixed headrest configurations, which restrict the use of tall headrests with thin backrests and do not provide sufficient flexibility in reclining positions.
Innovation Solution
A reclining seating unit with a headrest mechanism that moves parallel to the backrest, allowing for different styling options by adjusting its position relative to the backrest, and a reclining mechanism that enables the chair to transition between upright, TV, and fully reclined positions while maintaining the headrest's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional fixed headrest configuration is used, then the backrest can be made thin for styling purposes, but the headrest cannot be made tall without increasing backrest size
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is made movable relative to the backrest through a linkage mechanism connected to the reclining mechanism. The headrest can extend and retract, and change its position dynamically as the chair transitions between upright and reclined positions, allowing a tall headrest design without permanently increasing backrest depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest mechanism is nested within the backrest structure when retracted, allowing the headrest to be contained within the backrest depth when not in use. This enables a thin backrest profile while still accommodating a tall headrest when extended.
2Ease of operation
If the headrest is fixed relative to the backrest, then the structure is simple, but the headrest orientation changes uncomfortably during reclining
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest mechanism dynamically adjusts the headrest position and orientation in response to reclining movements. Linkages connect the headrest to the reclining mechanism, automatically maintaining proper headrest orientation relative to the occupant's head as the chair transitions between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the reclining mechanism and the headrest. This intermediary translates the motion of the reclining mechanism into appropriate headrest position changes, decoupling the headrest orientation from direct backrest movement.
3Ease of operation
If the headrest extends during reclining, then head support is improved, but the mechanism requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest mechanism is merged with the existing reclining mechanism through shared linkages and mounting points. The headrest extension is integrated into the overall reclining motion sequence, utilizing the same mechanical movements to drive both backrest reclining and headrest extension, thereby minimizing additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest that includes a body and a headrest that is positioned above the body; a reclining mechanism that interconnects the base, seat and backrest that controls the movement thereof between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed above the base and the backrest is generally vertically disposed at a first angle to the underlying surface above a rear portion of the backrest, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is disposed at a second angle to the underlying surface, the second angle being less than the first angle; and a headrest mechanism coupled to the reclining mechanism and attached to the body and headrest. In the upright position, a lower edge of the headrest is positioned at a first distance from an upper edge of the body, and in the reclined position, the lower edge of the headrest is positioned a second distance from the upper edge of the body, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The headrest moves generally parallel to the backrest as the chair moves from the upright to the reclined position.