Seatback Linkage With Selectable Fastener Positions for Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reclining furniture members with multiple sections often experience misalignment of seatback members due to construction tolerances and stack-up dimensions, leading to visual discrepancies between the nominal upright positions of each seatback.
Innovation Solution
A furniture member adjustment system that includes a seat link, a seatback link, and a fastener, allowing for rotational alignment of seatback members by positioning the fastener in specific apertures to achieve angular adjustments of approximately one to four degrees, enabling precise alignment and locking of seatback positions without requiring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seatback members are assembled using conventional linkages, then the furniture member provides multiple seating sections, but the seatback members become misaligned by up to 4 degrees due to construction tolerances and stack-up dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing multiple aperture positions (first, second, and third apertures) in the seat link and corresponding apertures in the seatback link. These apertures are positioned at different locations along the linkage to compensate for construction tolerances. By selecting different aperture combinations, the system can adjust the effective length and angular orientation of the linkage, thereby correcting seatback misalignment by up to 4 degrees while maintaining multiple seating sections.
2Manufacturing precision
If the seatback link is rotated to correct alignment, then the arm portion rotates by one to four degrees to achieve proper positioning, but this requires precise angular adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment capability into discrete aperture positions rather than requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms. The seat link contains multiple apertures arranged at specific angular intervals, and the seatback link contains corresponding apertures. By selecting specific aperture pairs, the system achieves discrete angular adjustments of one to four degrees. This segmented approach simplifies the mechanism compared to continuous adjustment systems while providing sufficient precision to correct alignment issues.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of furniture may include a seat link and a seatback link. The seat link may include first, second and third apertures. The seatback link may be rotatably coupled to the seat link and may include fourth, fifth and sixth apertures. The seatback link and a seatback frame may be rotatable relative to the seat link and a seat-bottom frame among a first position in which only the first and fourth apertures are coaxially aligned, a second position in which only the second and fifth apertures are coaxially aligned, and a third position in which only the third and sixth apertures are coaxially aligned. The seatback link may be rotationally locked relative to the seat link by inserting a fastener in the first and fourth apertures in the first position, the second and fifth apertures in the second position, and the third and sixth apertures in the third position.