Seat Adjustment Assembly With Single-Drive Position and Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating units with adjustable seat positions and depths often require separate mechanisms, leading to inefficient and non-coordinated adjustments, which can cause discomfort during prolonged sitting due to inadequate support for users with varying body shapes and sizes, and lack an aesthetically pleasing design.
Innovation Solution
A seating unit with a single drive mechanism that translates and expands the seat assembly from a first to a second position and configuration, incorporating a cushion assembly with cutouts or nested portions that adjust the spring rate and aesthetic appearance, allowing for coordinated and easy user adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate adjustment mechanisms are used for seat position and depth, then each adjustment function can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases and the adjustments are not coordinated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate seat position and depth adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated drive mechanism. This single mechanism simultaneously controls both the translation of the seat pan and the extension of the seat cushion, coordinating the adjustments through a unified control system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously adjusts the seat pan position and the seat cushion depth. This multi-functional mechanism eliminates the need for separate adjustment systems while providing coordinated control over both seat parameters through a single user interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate adjustment mechanisms are provided, then comprehensive seat customization is possible, but manufacturing and assembly efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple adjustment functions into a single drive mechanism assembly, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation maintains comprehensive seat customization capabilities while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity compared to implementing separate mechanisms for each adjustment function.
3Ease of operation
If separate controls are used for seat position and depth, then each parameter can be precisely adjusted, but user operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The single control mechanism is designed to simultaneously manage both seat position and depth adjustments with precise control. The mechanism incorporates independent control inputs that allow users to precisely adjust each parameter while maintaining a unified, simplified control interface rather than requiring separate complex control systems for each function.
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 solution provides enhanced comfort and support by allowing simultaneous or synchronized translation and expansion of the seat, accommodating different user sizes and shapes while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded portion, a first drive screw threadably received within the housing threaded portion
Data Source
AI summary
A seating unit having a seat assembly and an adjustment assembly coupled to the seat assembly is provided, where the adjustment assembly includes a single drive mechanism for translating the seat assembly from a first position to a second position and expanding the seat assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration.