Recliner Locking Link Geometry for Smooth Rocking-to-Recline Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reclining seating units, such as rocker-recliners, often experience jolts and impaired reclining motion due to the configuration of their locking mechanisms, which can increase manufacturing costs and labor, and may not provide a smooth transition between rocking and reclining positions.
Innovation Solution
A reclining seating unit with a locking mechanism that includes a locking link pivotally attached to the reclining mechanism and a capture member with a corner section, allowing the unit to rock in the upright position while preventing rocking in the TV and fully reclined positions, using a power actuating unit to control the motion and maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism with multiple pivotally interconnected links is used, then the chair can prevent rocking in reclined positions, but the mechanism causes jolts to the occupant and impairs smooth reclining motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful sliding action from the locking mechanism by replacing the traditional multi-link design with a simple roller that directly contacts the base. This removes the source of jolts and impairments while retaining the essential locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex link system that slides and catches, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple roller element that rocks smoothly on the base surface, achieving locking through geometric constraint rather than mechanical interference.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple links and slots is used, then the chair can lock in reclined positions, but the manufacturing cost and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function from the complex link system and assigns it to a simple roller element that works in conjunction with the existing base structure. This simplification dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex mechanical links with a simple, inexpensive roller element that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, significantly reducing production costs.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism uses a slotted link that slides on a pin, then the chair can prevent rocking when reclined, but the rear end of the slot striking the pin causes jolts to the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of direct contact into a benefit by using the roller's rounded surface to smoothly transition between positions. The roller's geometry ensures that contact forces are always directed through its center, eliminating the jolting effect that occurs with slot-pin interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
A rocking and reclining seating unit includes: (a) an upright position, (b) an intermediate TV position, in which an ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of a seat and a backrest and the seat substantially maintain the same relationship as in the upright position, and (c) a fully reclined position, in which the angle between the backrest and the seat increases; a reciprocating mechanism configured to enable the seat, the backrest and an associated reclining mechanism to experience a longitudinally-directed reciprocating motion relative to a base unit; and a locking unit that prevents reciprocating of the seating unit while in the TV and fully reclined positions by a locking unit that includes a capture member and a locking link that are configured such that the locking link resides in a corner section of the capture member when the seating unit is in the TV and fully reclined positions.