Reclining Seat With Infinite Adjustment And Flexible Backrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reclining seats require significant dexterity and strength to adjust between discrete positions, and do not accommodate varying weight distributions effectively between upright and reclined states.
Innovation Solution
A reclining seat mechanism featuring a clutch mechanism with a rotary member and guide paths, allowing for infinite adjustment between upright and reclined positions using a release button or electrical actuator, and incorporating a damping device for smooth movement, with a flexible backrest to adapt to weight distribution changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ratchet and pawl arrangement is used to provide discrete adjustment positions, then the seat structure is simple and reliable, but the user requires considerable dexterity and strength to adjust between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual ratchet and pawl mechanical system with an electrical motor-driven mechanism. The motor (220) receives signals from control means (200) to automatically adjust the seat base position along guide paths (16, 17), eliminating the need for manual operation of complex mechanical adjustment components while maintaining reliable discrete position control through clutch mechanism (24).
Solution Approach 2:
The control means (200) enables the seat to adjust itself automatically based on user input or pre-programmed settings. The electrical actuator system performs the adjustment work without requiring the user to physically manipulate mechanical components, making the system self-serving while reducing operational complexity for the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discrete fixed positions are provided for seat adjustment, then the adjustment mechanism is simple, but the user cannot find the ideal seating position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static discrete position control to dynamic continuous adjustment capability. The motor-driven mechanism with clutch mechanism (24) allows the seat base to be positioned at any point along the guide paths (16, 17), providing infinite adjustability rather than fixed discrete positions, thereby enabling users to find their ideal seating position while maintaining mechanical simplicity through the use of standard motor and clutch components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the backrest profile remains rigid, then the manufacturing is simple, but it does not accommodate varying weight distributions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid backrest with a flexible diaphragm structure that can adapt to varying weight distributions. The flexible material allows the backrest profile to deform and conform to different occupant shapes and weights, providing enhanced comfort and adaptability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through the use of flexible membrane materials and standard attachment methods.
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 easy, infinite adjustment of seating positions without user effort, ensuring optimal comfort by accommodating varying weight distributions and providing smooth transitions between upright and reclined states.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient return device may be about the shaft to apply a torsional force
Implementation Method 2
A damping device may be operably connected to the rotary member to dampen rotation of the rotary member and thus dampen movement of the seat base
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A reclining seat comprising a seat base (10) and a backrest (11), wherein the seat base is mounted on a support structure move able along at least one guide path (16, 17) whereby the seat base is move able between upright and reclined use or seating positions and a retracted state, control means being provided for controlling movement of the seat base along said at least one guide path, preferably with infinite adjustment, between said upright and reclined seating positions.