Single power dual-directional actuator system for movement of a furniture piece structure in a rectilinear and balanced manner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered actuator systems for furniture, such as chairs and beds, require multiple actuators to move lumbar support bars in a balanced manner, increasing costs and often apply force to regions other than the lumbar spine, causing discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A single powered actuator system with a piston-cylinder mechanism, pivotally mounted to a foundation deck, and connected to transversely oriented cross-pins and lifting links, allowing synchronized, rectilinear movement of the lumbar support bar, ensuring it only impacts the lumbar region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple actuators are used to move the lumbar support bar, then the lumbar support bar can be moved in a balanced manner, but the cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple actuators into a single actuator system. The first and second actuators are merged into one actuator that simultaneously moves both the first and second lifting links, achieving balanced lumbar support bar movement while reducing component count and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization link acts as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates the movement between the single actuator and both lifting links. This mediator ensures that when the single actuator moves, both lifting links move simultaneously and to the same degree, maintaining balanced movement without requiring multiple independent actuators.
2Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to reduce cost, then the cost decreases, but the lumbar support bar moves in an arcuate manner causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization link serves as a mechanical intermediary that transforms the arcuate movement of the single actuator into rectilinear movement of the lumbar support bar. By coordinating the lifting links through this intermediary, the system achieves cost reduction while eliminating the harmful arcuate movement that causes spinal discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional relationship through the synchronization link and slot-crosstie mechanism. The crossties move within slots that constrain their movement path, transforming the rotational arcuate motion of the actuator into linear rectilinear motion of the lumbar support bar, thereby changing the motion dimension to eliminate harmful effects.
3Reliability
If multiple actuators are used, then simultaneous actuation ensures balanced movement, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuators into a single actuator while maintaining simultaneous actuation capability. The single actuator is mechanically coupled to both lifting links through the synchronization link, ensuring that both ends of the lumbar support bar are actuated simultaneously by one actuator rather than requiring multiple independent actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization link acts as a mediator that distributes the actuation force from the single actuator to both lifting links simultaneously. This intermediary mechanism ensures coordinated simultaneous movement of both lumbar support bar ends without requiring multiple actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable simultaneous actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered actuator system for moving a lumbar support bar of a furniture piece is disclosed and comprises a single dual-directional powered actuator mounted upon a foundation base with respect to which the lumbar support bar is to be moved between fully extended and fully retracted positions, as well as a multiplicity of intermediate positions. The single dual-directional powered actuator is operatively connected to a first end portion of the lumbar support bar by means of a first main lifting link, while a synchronization bar operatively interconnects the first main lifting link with a second main lifting link operatively connected to a second end portion of the lumbar support bar. In this manner, the lumbar support bar is moved between its extended and retracted positions in a rectilinear and balanced mode.