Reclining seating unit with operatively-linked power actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reclining seating units often require complex operation and coordination between reclining and footrest mechanisms, particularly in glider-recliners, where users must manage multiple actuation devices to transition between upright and reclined positions, leading to confusion and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A reclining seating unit design featuring mechanically decoupled reclining and footrest mechanisms, with a controller that synchronizes the movement of linear actuators to ensure the backrest can only recline after the footrest is extended to a predetermined position, allowing for simplified operation using a single actuation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanically decoupled reclining and footrest mechanisms are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for controller coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism and footrest mechanism are mechanically decoupled into separate independent systems. Each mechanism has its own linear actuator (first linear actuator for reclining, second linear actuator for footrest extension) that can operate independently, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while the controller coordinates their operation through software logic rather than mechanical linkages.
2Ease of operation
If controller synchronization is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is programmed with logic that requires the footrest mechanism to extend to a predetermined position before allowing the reclining mechanism to activate. This preliminary action sequence is enforced through control software rather than mechanical interlocks, simplifying the physical structure while ensuring proper operational sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the user's single actuation input and the two independent mechanisms. It processes the actuation signal, determines the correct sequence of operations, and coordinates both linear actuators accordingly, replacing complex mechanical coordination systems with simpler electronic control.
3Ease of operation
If single actuation device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the position and status of both the footrest mechanism and reclining mechanism, using feedback signals to determine when each component has reached its target position. This feedback loop ensures that the sequence of operations is executed correctly and safely, maintaining reliability despite the simplified single actuator interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a seat having a seat frame; a backrest mounted and pivotally interconnected to the seat frame; a footrest unit; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat and the backrest, the reclining mechanism configured to control relative movement of the seat and backrest between upright and reclined positions; a footrest mechanism attached to the seat and the footrest unit, the footrest mechanism configured to control relative movement of the footrest unit and the seat between retracted and extended positions, the footrest mechanism being mechanically decoupled from the reclining mechanism; a first linear actuator attached to the reclining mechanism and to the seat configured to move the seat and backrest between the upright and reclined positions; a second linear actuator attached to the footrest mechanism and to the seat frame configured to move the footrest unit between the retracted and extended positions; and a controller operatively connected with the first linear actuator and the second linear actuator, the controller configured to prevent the first linear actuator from moving the backrest and seat from the upright position toward the reclined position until the second linear actuator has moved the footrest unit from the retracted position at least a predetermined distance toward the extended position.