Spiral Jaw Chair Locking Mechanism for Precise Seat Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking mechanisms in chair reclining systems, such as nut and bolt interfaces, fail to provide adequate locking performance and reliability over time, particularly in chair adjustment mechanisms that require precise positioning of the seat.
Innovation Solution
A spiral jaw clutch mechanism with a central shaft, slotted element, locking pad, and spring mechanism, where the spiral jaw clutch is mounted on a rotatable adjustment handle, allowing for secure locking and unlocking by displacing the spring mechanism, enabling reliable long-term operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nut and bolt type interfaces are used for locking, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the locking capability is insufficient and reliability deteriorates after long periods of use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: spiral jaw clutch elements, locking pad, spring mechanism, and slotted element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral jaw clutch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the adjustment handle and the locking pad. It translates rotational motion into linear displacement of the spring mechanism, providing reliable locking action without requiring complex direct connection structures.
2Measurement precision
If traditional braking mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the locking performance is inadequate for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from a static locking position to a dynamic adjustment state and back. The spring mechanism dynamically responds to the displacement caused by the spiral jaw clutch, enabling precise positioning through controlled dynamic movement rather than static braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral jaw clutch changes the positional parameter of the spring mechanism through its threaded geometry. As the adjustment handle rotates, the clutch elements move along the threads, precisely controlling the displacement of the locking pad to achieve accurate positioning.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If spiral jaw clutch mechanism is implemented, then locking performance and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases compared to nut and bolt interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a compact assembly: the spiral jaw clutch simultaneously provides adjustment capability and locking action, the spring mechanism combines force application with position maintenance, and the locking pad integrates with the slotted element for unified movement. This merging reduces operational durability issues while managing complexity through functional integration.
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 spiral jaw clutch mechanism offers improved locking performance and reliability, providing a cost-effective solution for chair adjustment systems by ensuring secure positioning of chair components through precise control of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism attached to the locking pad
Implementation Method 2
a spiral jaw clutch comprising two interconnecting spiral jaw interfaces wherein one of the spiral jaw interface is fixedly mounted on a rotatable adjustment handle
Implementation Method 3
a locking pad for locking the mechanism against the slotted element
Data Source
AI summary
A locking chair adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of a chair component. The mechanism comprises a central shaft, a spiral jaw clutch comprising two interconnecting spiral jaw interfaces and a slotted element wherein the slot is sized to slideably receive the central shaft for displacement of the slotted element when the mechanism is in an unlocked position. A locking pad locks the mechanism against the slotted element. A rotatable adjustment handle allows the mechanism to toggle from a locked position, to an unlocked position, by displacement of the spring mechanism caused by the rotation of the spiral jaw interface fixedly mounted on the adjustment handle, therefore releasing pressure on the locking pad. A spring mechanism is activated when the claimed mechanism goes from a locked position to an unlocked position, pulling the claimed mechanism back to a locked position. The claimed mechanism provides a low cost solution offering better locking capabilities than traditional braking mechanisms.