Rotary-Lock Adjustment Unit for Seating Height Without Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable seating solutions often require complex mechanisms and additional components like electric actuators, making them unsuitable for easy adaptation to different user groups and prone to accidental height adjustments under load.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment unit comprising a first guide element, a second guide element, and a first rotary element, which allows for height adjustment through a simple rotational movement, converting it into translational movement without additional components, and includes features like elastic materials and spring elements to prevent accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex mechanisms like electric actuators are used for height adjustment, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment unit utilizes the user's own body weight and the mechanical structure to automatically lock and unlock the height adjustment. The rotary element rotates under the influence of gravity and user action, converting vertical movement into rotational movement that engages or disengages the pin element from the opening in the leg element, eliminating the need for external actuators or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical or motorized adjustment mechanisms with a simple mechanical system consisting of a rotary element, pin element, and guide elements. The mechanical advantage is achieved through the conversion of vertical displacement into rotational movement, which then controls the engagement of the locking mechanism through pure mechanical interaction without electrical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components like electric actuators are added, then adjustment capability is improved, but manufacturing costs and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment unit is designed as a universal mechanism that can be integrated into various seating furniture types. The guide elements and rotary element form a compact assembly that provides height adjustment functionality across different applications, from student chairs to office furniture, without requiring application-specific components or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment unit is divided into distinct functional segments: the first guide element for vertical guidance, the second guide element for rotational guidance, the rotary element for movement conversion, and the pin element for locking. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components and straightforward assembly by simply connecting the segmented parts in sequence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If height adjustment is always enabled, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to accidental adjustments under load
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: a locked state where the pin element engages the opening in the leg element to prevent height changes, and an unlocked state where the rotary element can rotate freely to enable adjustment. The system dynamically responds to user input by rotating the rotary element to switch between these states, while automatically maintaining stability in the locked state under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's adjustment action and the locking mechanism. It converts vertical displacement into rotational movement that controls the engagement of the pin element with the opening in the leg element. This intermediary function ensures that adjustment only occurs when intentionally initiated by user action, preventing accidental adjustments while maintaining adaptability.
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 ergonomic adjustment without complex mechanisms, allowing adaptation to various user groups and preventing accidental height adjustments, while reducing manufacturing costs and assembly effort.
Implementation Method 1
The first rotary element is configured to displace a pin element into a first opening of the leg element by means of a rotation along a second displacement direction, which is arranged substantially orthogonal to the first displacement direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastic material is arranged between the first guide element and the first rotary element, wherein the at least one elastic material is configured to absorb energy in order to prevent accidental activation of the adjustment unit
Implementation Method 3
a spring element, wherein the spring element is configured to align the rotary element into a second predetermined orientation and wherein the spring element is configured to form a resistance against displacement into the second orientation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustment unit for a piece of seating furniture, comprising a first guide element (12), a second guide element (14), and a first rotary element (16), wherein the first guide element (12) is configured to be displaced along a first displacement direction (18) of a first leg element (20) of the seating furniture (100), wherein the second guide element (14) is arranged substantially orthogonally to the first displacement direction (18) on the first guide element (12), wherein the first rotary element (16) is rotatably arranged on the second guide element (14), wherein the first rotary element (16) is configured to lock a displacement (24) between the first guide element (12) and the leg element (20) in a first orientation (22) to the second guide element (14), wherein the first rotary element (16) is configured toin a second alignment (26) to the second guide element (14) to release the displacement (24) between the first guide element (12) and the first leg element (20).