Sofa Linkage Mechanism for Synchronized Back and Leg Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sofas with extendable parts fail to provide user comfort by not allowing weightlessness when lying down, and have poor structural stability during the adjustment of these parts.

Innovation Solution

A mechanically stretchable apparatus for a sofa, comprising a seat component, linkage component, and leg component, where the back and leg components can be adjusted simultaneously through a specific linkage structure with a ratio of connection points between 0.75-0.95, allowing the leg component to be higher than the back component, enhancing user comfort and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the back and leg components are adjusted independently in existing sofas, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the user comfort and weightlessness experience are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidlinkage structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adjustment mechanisms of the back component and leg component into a single integrated linkage structure. The first rotating part controls both the backrest angle and leg elevation simultaneously through mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and achieving synchronized movement that enhances user comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage structure employs dynamic geometric relationships with variable connection points. The first rotating part rotates around a dynamically determined center point that changes based on the configuration of the back and leg components, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical advantage and movement characteristics throughout the adjustment range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the back and leg components are adjusted simultaneously through a linkage structure, then the user comfort and weightlessness are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweightlessness experienceVSAvoidlinkage mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage structure is segmented into distinct functional modules: the first rotating part for controlling backrest and leg angles, the second rotating part for footrest adjustment, and the seat linkage structure connecting them. This modular segmentation allows complex simultaneous adjustment to be achieved through coordinated simpler sub-mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seat linkage structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second rotating parts. It transmits and coordinates the rotational movements to achieve the desired synchronized adjustment of back and leg components, mediating the complexity by providing a clear mechanical interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connection points in the linkage structure are positioned with specific ratios (0.75-0.95), then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidconnection point positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies optimal parameter ranges for the linkage geometry, particularly the ratio between distance L1 (transmission connection point to seat connection point) and L2 (transmission connection point to back connection point) being 0.75-0.95. These parameter optimizations enhance structural stability while providing design flexibility within the specified range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage structure utilizes composite construction with the base, rotating parts, and linkage components forming an integrated mechanical system. The specific geometric ratios optimize the composite structural behavior to achieve enhanced stability through the interplay of multiple structural elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If the leg component is positioned higher than the back component, then the user comfort is improved, but the structural design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidcomponent positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves the leg-higher-than-back configuration through dynamic adjustment rather than fixed positioning. The first rotating part enables the leg component to be elevated above the back component during the adjustment process, creating a temporary inverted geometry that enhances user comfort while maintaining structural simplicity through the existing linkage mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus enables users to experience weightlessness while lying down, with improved structural stability and comfort due to synchronized movement of the back and leg components, and a stable design that promotes wide applicability.

Implementation Method 1

a first rotating part (12), a second rotating part (13), wherein the first rotating part (12) and the second rotating part (13) are both connected to the base (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 2

a seat linkage structure (14), wherein the seat linkage structure (14) is placed between the first rotating part (12) and the second rotating part (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical linkage:

Data Source

PatentUS11700942B2Mechanically stretchable apparatus for a sofa and sofa thereof
Publication Date: 2023.07.18 REMACRO TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US11700942B2 patent drawing
  • US11700942B2 patent drawing
  • US11700942B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mechanically stretchable apparatus for a sofa and a sofa thereof are provided. The mechanically stretchable apparatus includes: a seat component, a linkage component, a back component and a leg component. The seat component further includes a base, a first rotating part, the second rotating part, and the seat linkage structure placed between the first and second rotating parts. The seat linkage structure includes a back linkage with a seat connection point, a transmission connection point, and a back connection point. The seat connection point is connected to the first rotating part. The back connection point is connected to the back component. The back component and the leg component are respectively connected to the linkage component, and the linkage component is connected to the seat linkage structure.