Seat Back Height Adjustment with Zigzag Spring-Rod Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat height adjustment systems are complex, require tools for assembly, and do not efficiently allow for incremental height adjustments without compromising stability or ease of disassembly for packaging and delivery.
Innovation Solution
A seat height adjustment system featuring a flexible spring rod with a zig-zag guide channel and notches for stable positioning, allowing incremental height adjustments without tools, and enabling easy disassembly by a retractable finger mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional adjustment system with toothed portions and elastic means is used, then stability of position is improved, but device complexity increases and tool-free assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the toothed portion from the adjustment mechanism, extracting only the essential function of positioning. The elastic means are simplified to work directly with a smooth guide channel and notches, eliminating the complex interaction between teeth and elastic engagement surfaces while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active engagement surfaces (teeth) that require precise matching, the patent uses passive notches in the guide channel that simply guide the folded end of the elastic rod. The stability is achieved through the geometry of the notches and the elastic force, rather than through interlocking toothed surfaces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex adjustment system is used, then stability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed portion is completely removed from the design, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process. The guide channel with notches can be formed through simpler machining or molding operations compared to creating precise toothed surfaces that require specific engagement geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the guide channel from complex toothed profiles to simple notched straight or curved channels. This parameter change simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the essential function of guiding and positioning the elastic rod.
3Volume of stationary object
If the backrest and seat are delivered separately, then volume for packaging and delivery is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-assembling. The arm with guide piece and the sleeve with guide channel are designed to fit together through simple insertion, with the elastic rod automatically engaging the notches to provide locking. No tools or complex alignment procedures are required, making the system self-service friendly for assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular components (arm, sleeve, elastic rod) that can be manufactured and packaged separately, reducing shipping volume. The segmentation is designed so that assembly is simplified rather than complicated, with each component having a clear function and interface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If incremental height adjustment is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the height adjustment function from a complex multi-component mechanism and implements it through a simple guide channel with notches. The folded end of the elastic rod engages with the notches at different positions along the channel, providing incremental adjustment through a minimalistic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel with notches acts as an intermediary element that translates the elastic force and folded end movement into discrete height positions. This intermediary structure simplifies the adjustment mechanism by providing predetermined stopping points without requiring complex locking or engagement mechanisms.
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
Facilitates simple, tool-free assembly and incremental height adjustments while ensuring stability and ease of disassembly for packaging, improving user convenience and logistical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible spring rod capable of being bent in a direction perpendicular to the sliding
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The system has a guiding piece (3) comprising a rectilinear channel portion arranged parallel to a sliding direction and a zigzag channel portion endowed of a set of stable positioning areas of an arm (1) in a sleeve locked by a flexible spring rod (13) e.g. metal rod. The portions are coupled to one of ends of a zigzag channel of the latter section by a part laterally opening in the former portion rectilinear to neighboring of an inlet orifice of a circuit elastically restraining a rod to the former portion and to another end by a part elastically releasing the rod to the former section. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for fixing a backrest to a base of a seat (2) a method for mounting a backrest to a base of a seat.