Restricted rocker spring assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rocker spring assemblies for furniture members suffer from frictional noise due to metal limit rods and require complex forming operations for assembly, which can lead to inefficiencies and noise during rocking motion.
Innovation Solution
A rocker spring assembly design featuring bracket members with coiled springs and a restrictor bolt assembly, where sleeve members in sliding contact with the brackets and a fastener through a sleeve bore retain the springs, allowing for balanced operation and reduced noise through polymeric materials, eliminating metal-to-metal contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal limit rods with stop members are used to restrict spring movement, then the structural strength and positioning are improved, but frictional noise increases and manufacturing complexity increases due to required forming operations
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric restrictor member is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal limit rod and the bracket members. This restrictor member receives the limit rod and provides the stopping function through its own structural features (such as a reduced diameter section or shoulder) rather than through metal-to-metal contact between the limit rod and bracket members. The polymeric material of the restrictor member eliminates frictional noise while maintaining the positioning and restricting function.
2Manufacturing precision
If stop members are formed on limit rods by stamping operations after installation, then the positioning function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor member is designed with pre-formed structural features (such as a reduced diameter section, shoulder, or integrated stop feature) that provide the positioning and restricting function before assembly. This eliminates the need for post-installation stamping or forming operations on the limit rod, as the restricting geometry is already present in the restrictor member itself. The restrictor member can be molded or formed separately with the required geometric features, then assembled in a single operation.
3Reliability
If metal limit rods are used for restricting spring extension, then the restricting function is achieved, but frictional noise and wear increase during rocking motion
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor member is constructed from polymeric material, creating a composite system where the polymeric restrictor member interfaces with the metal bracket members. This material combination provides the restricting function through the geometric features of the restrictor member while the polymeric material inherently reduces frictional noise and wear compared to metal-to-metal contact. The composite construction allows for low-friction sliding contact between the restrictor member and the bracket members during rocking motion.
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 design enhances the rocker spring assembly by reducing noise and simplifying assembly, allowing for smoother operation and balanced force distribution during rocking motion, while preventing the need for complex forming operations.
Implementation Method 1
one of the springs is extended with respect to the other spring. A biasing force of the extended spring helps to return the furniture member to a neutral position
Implementation Method 2
The use of metal limit rod material can result in frictional noise
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture member rocker spring assembly includes first and second bracket members arranged in mirror image configuration. First and second springs are positioned between and in direct contact with each of the first and second bracket members. A restrictor bolt assembly is positioned intermediately between the first and second springs. The restrictor bolt assembly includes at least one sleeve member received in an aperture of the first and second bracket members and a fastener that extends through a sleeve bore in the sleeve member. The sleeve member is arranged in sliding contact with at least one of the first and second bracket members.