Recliner Seat-Back Linkage With Single-Lever Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable seating and reclining furniture often has complex and cumbersome control mechanisms, making it difficult for users to adjust the angle between the seat and back, and armrests typically remain stationary despite changes in seating position, leading to an uncomfortable user experience.
Innovation Solution
A device with a link pivotally connected to both the seat and back frames, allowing for coordinated tilting of the seat and back, along with a single control lever for angle adjustment and leg rest operation, and adjustable armrests that maintain comfort across various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handles and wheels are provided for controlling adjustments, then the furniture can achieve multiple adjustment functions, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (seat-back angle adjustment and leg rest positioning) into a single control lever system. The control lever operates both the angle adjustment mechanism and the leg rest mechanism through integrated linkages, reducing the number of controls from multiple handles and wheels to one unified control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control lever serves multiple functions: it controls both the angle between seat and back, and the position of the leg rest. This multi-functional control mechanism eliminates the need for separate controls for each adjustment, simplifying the user interface while maintaining full adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handles are provided for different adjustments, then various functions can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated control lever system. The control lever is connected to both the angle adjustment mechanism and the leg rest mechanism through linkages, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate handles into one unified control device.
3Device complexity
If armrests remain stationary, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates when seating position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the armrest from a static component to a dynamic one that automatically adjusts with changes in seating position. The armrest is connected to the seat-back assembly through linkages that cause it to move relative to the seat as the angle between seat and back changes, maintaining optimal positioning and comfort throughout the range of motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for an adjustable piece of seating and reclining furniture with an adjustable angle between the seat and the back of the piece of furniture, wherein on each side of the piece of furniture there is located a fitting projecting upwards from its base, the seat being tiltable about a forward suspension point on the fitting, and the back being tiltable about a rear suspension point on the fitting, wherein the back upon tilting backwards causes the seat to tilt backwards in that a link is pivotally fastened to a rear part of the seat frame and pivotally fastened to a lower part of the back frame, the pivotal connection of the link to the back frame being located behind and below said rear suspension point. On an increase in the angle between the seat and the back, the angle that the neck rest of the piece of furniture forms with the back is reduced. When the piece of seating and reclining furniture is equipped with a foot/leg rest, an activator for this rest and an activator for changing said angle between the seat and the back are controllable by one single, common control lever or control handle.