Retractable Wheel Assembly for Chair Stability and Mobility Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Chairs often lack a compact and aesthetically pleasing reclining mechanism, are unstable due to external wheels, and are difficult to move and clean, necessitating a solution for improved support, stability, and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A chair seating system with a retractable wheel assembly that moves between extended and retracted positions, integrated within the frame to maintain stability and facilitate easy movement and cleaning, combined with a compact reclining mechanism for upright and reclined positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wheels are attached to the chair frame to enable movement, then the chair can be moved easily, but the chair becomes unstable when a user is sitting and moves too easily while seated
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is designed to dynamically change its state between extended and retracted positions based on whether the chair is being moved or is in use. When no downward force is applied, wheels extend to facilitate movement; when downward force is applied (user sitting), wheels retract to provide stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the wheels between extended and retracted states. This parameter change is triggered by the application or removal of downward force, allowing the chair to transition between mobile and stable configurations.
2Reliability
If traditional reclining mechanisms are used to support upright and reclined positions, then the chair provides proper support, but the mechanisms are bulky external devices that are not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The reclining mechanism is nested within the chair frame structure, specifically utilizing the hollow interior of the front support member. This nesting conceals the mechanism while maintaining its functionality, eliminating the need for bulky external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The reclining mechanism is merged with the chair frame structure rather than being a separate external component. The mechanism integrates with the front support member and seat assembly, creating a unified design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
3Ease of operation
If wheels are permanently attached to the chair frame, then the chair can be moved easily, but the wheels and attachment points are difficult to take apart and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is designed to be dynamically removable and reattachable rather than permanently fixed. The carrier can be easily detached from the frame and reattached, allowing for simple cleaning and maintenance while maintaining easy mobility when needed.
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 system provides stable, comfortable, and easy-to-use seating with enhanced mobility and cleanliness, while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
The retractable wheel assembly also has a spring configured to propel the wheel between the extended position and the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, a chair is provided having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, and a retractable wheel assembly positioned within the frame, among other components. The retractable wheel assembly is configured to facilitate retraction of a wheel into the frame when a downward force is applied to the chair. In one or more arrangements, the retractable wheel assembly is configured to facilitate extension of a wheel below the frame in absence of a downward force.