Reversible Actuator Mechanism for Headrest Tilt and Lumbar Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recliner chairs lack a simplified mechanism for adjustable headrest tilt and lumbar support that can be easily installed on various chair styles, limiting user comfort, especially in the reclined position.
Innovation Solution
A reversible headrest tilt and lumbar support mechanism using a side bracket coupled to the chair back frame, with an actuator shaft that can extend to rotate either the headrest or lumbar push bar, allowing for adjustable positions and easy installation on different chair styles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a moveable headrest mechanism is added to conventional recliners, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate the headrest back insert when the shaft extends toward the upper end of the back frame, and it can rotate the lumbar push bar when the shaft extends toward the lower end of the back frame. This multi-functionality allows a single mechanism to provide both headrest tilt and lumbar support adjustments, improving user comfort while avoiding the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism employs a reversible actuator that can dynamically switch between two operational modes by changing the orientation of its shaft. The actuator can extend in either direction (toward the upper end or lower end of the back frame), allowing the system to adapt its function based on the coupled component (headrest back insert or lumbar push bar), thereby managing complexity through dynamic reconfiguration rather than static dedicated mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable lumbar support is added to chairs, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same actuator assembly that provides headrest tilt functionality also provides lumbar support adjustment. When the lumbar push bar is coupled between the back brackets and the actuator shaft extends toward the lower end of the back frame, extension and retraction of the shaft rotates the lumbar push bar to provide adjustable lumbar support. This eliminates the need for a separate mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the headrest tilt mechanism and lumbar support mechanism into a single integrated system. Both functions share common components including the side brackets, back brackets, and actuator assembly. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity while providing both comfort features.
3Device complexity
If a reversible actuator mechanism is used for both headrest and lumbar support, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses asymmetric positioning of the actuator shaft in two distinct orientations: extending toward the upper end of the back frame for headrest control, and extending toward the lower end for lumbar support control. This asymmetric design creates clearly differentiated operational modes that are easier to manufacture and assemble, as the actuator's position in each mode is distinctly different rather than requiring precise symmetric positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The back frame is segmented into two functional zones: the upper end region for headrest back insert coupling and the lower end region for lumbar push bar coupling. This segmentation allows the actuator to operate in two distinct spatial zones with different precision requirements, making manufacturing more feasible while maintaining the reversible multi-functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible adjustable lumbar support and headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. A side bracket is coupled to each side of the back frame, and a back bracket is pivotably coupled to each side bracket. An actuator is pivotably coupled to the back frame that has an extendable and retractable shaft. In a first orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the upper end of the back frame, a headrest back insert is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the headrest back insert. In a second orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the lower end of the back frame, a lumbar push bar is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the lumbar push bar.