Sofa Extension Linkage Mechanism to Hide Motor and Frame Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sofas expose electric motors and iron frames at the bottom, affecting the aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A sofa extension apparatus with a sofa frame, extension brackets, linkage rods, and a linear drive assembly that allows the extension brackets to be extended or retracted, with the linear drive assembly positioned above the sofa frame to maintain a 5° to 10° angle, hiding the components and enhancing the aesthetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sofa extension apparatus uses a conventional design with thick seat frame, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the electric motor and iron frames are exposed at the bottom affecting aesthetic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the linear drive assembly in the vertical dimension above the lower surface of the sofa frame, rather than horizontally at the bottom. This dimensional relocation allows the mechanical components to be hidden from lateral view while maintaining structural functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between structural strength and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sofa frame structure into multiple components including the seat frame, backrest, and leg portions, with the linear drive assembly integrated into specific segments. This segmentation allows strategic placement of mechanical components in less visible areas while maintaining overall structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.
2Shape
If the linear drive assembly is positioned above the lower surface of the sofa frame, then the aesthetic effect is improved by hiding mechanical components, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the linear drive assembly with the sofa frame structure by integrating it into the segment between the seat frame and backrest. This merging approach consolidates mechanical components into existing structural elements, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the aesthetic goal of hiding exposed components.
3Shape
If the sofa extension apparatus maintains a 5° to 10° angle of inclination, then the linear drive assembly remains above the lower surface improving aesthetics, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a parameter range (5° to 10° angle of inclination) rather than a fixed value, providing manufacturing flexibility. This parameter change approach allows for acceptable variations in manufacturing while ensuring the linear drive assembly remains positioned above the lower surface to maintain aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sofa extension apparatus. The sofa extension apparatus includes a sofa frame, extension brackets, a first linkage rod, a second linkage rod and a linear drive assembly. Each extension bracket includes a sofa fixing member and a leg portion extension assembly, the sofa fixing member is connected to the sofa frame, the leg portion extension assembly is rotatably connected to a front end of the sofa fixing member. Two ends of the first linkage rod are fixedly connected to rear ends of two sofa fixing members respectively. Two ends of the second linkage rod are connected to two leg extension assemblies respectively. The linear drive assembly is configured to drive the first linkage rod and the second linkage rod to move relative to each other, so as to enable the two extension brackets to be extended or retracted.