Reclining chair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reclining chairs face limitations in footrest extension due to space constraints under the chair, resulting in insufficient leg support and aesthetics, with prior art footrests typically extending only 15-16 inches, often causing occupants' feet to hang over the edge.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a two-panel footrest system with a main panel and flipper panel, supported by a cantilever assembly and a gas cylinder with a valve, allowing for up to 20 inches of extension while maintaining a compact vertical space, and an adjustable backrest with a friction plate and compression spring for independent adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the footrest is extended longer to provide better leg support, then the leg support quality improves, but the space requirement under the chair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal extension to vertical cantilever extension, allowing the footrest to achieve greater length (20 inches) by utilizing the vertical dimension under the chair seat, thereby providing improved leg support without proportionally increasing horizontal space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest is divided into two segments: a main panel and a flipper panel. The flipper panel can be independently adjusted to different angles, allowing optimization of leg support for different user needs while maintaining a compact overall structure when retracted
2Ease of operation
If the footrest is extended longer to provide better leg support, then the leg support quality improves, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage components are extracted and concealed within the chair structure, with only the clean lines of the footrest panels visible. The cover is designed to hide the linkage mechanism, presenting a sleek, minimalist aesthetic while the functional extension mechanism operates beneath the surface
Solution Approach 2:
By extending the footrest vertically rather than horizontally, the design maintains a cleaner horizontal profile from the front view, improving aesthetics while still providing adequate leg support through the vertical cantilever configuration
3Ease of operation
If the footrest extension is increased beyond conventional limits, then the leg support quality improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest system uses self-contained components: a gas cylinder provides automatic support force, a spring mechanism maintains tension, and a friction plate with adjustment knob allows user-controlled positioning without requiring complex motorized systems or multiple actuators
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into integrated components: the linkage structure serves both as the mechanical connection and as part of the support framework, the cover simultaneously protects the mechanism and provides aesthetic finishing, and the adjustment mechanisms are integrated into existing structural elements rather than added as separate components
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 solution provides enhanced leg support with increased footrest extension, maintaining a clean appearance and allowing for comfortable seating with the footrest securely retracted or extended, while ensuring the backrest can be adjusted independently for optimal user positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a gas cylinder with a valve, allowing for up to 20 inches of extension
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring adjacent the friction plate
Implementation Method 3
a friction plate located adjacent a pivot point for the backrest
Data Source
AI summary
Furniture is described having an extendable footrest. The footrest has a main panel and a flipper panel. In an extended position of the footrest, the top surfaces of the panels are approximately horizontal and co-planar, the main panel being proximate to a seat portion of the furniture. In a retracted position of the footrest, the top surface of the main panel is approximately vertical and the top surface of the flipper panel is approximately horizontal and facing in a downward direction. The footrest projects substantially 20″ or more from the front of the seat portion in the extended position, and substantially 7″ or less is provided between the floor and the apparent bottom edge of the footrest when retracted.