Split Ottoman Linkage for Chaise Pad Support and Extended Footrest

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chaise pad support mechanisms in reclining chairs require a continuous footrest linkage that extends equally in both closed and extended positions, limiting the ability to provide additional forward footrest support beyond the chaise pad.

Innovation Solution

A split ottoman linkage system with interconnected links that allow the middle and front ottomans to move in a relatively constant radial arc, enabling the chaise pad to remain supported while providing additional forward footrest support in the extended position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a continuous footrest linkage is used to support the chaise pad, then the chaise pad remains supported in both closed and extended positions, but the footrest cannot extend farther beyond the chaise pad in the extended position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechaise pad supportVSAvoidfootrest extension distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ottoman linkage is divided into two separate sections: a middle ottoman linkage that supports the chaise pad and maintains its position, and a front ottoman linkage that extends beyond the chaise pad. This segmentation allows each section to have independent movement characteristics, enabling the front section to extend farther while the middle section maintains reliable chaise pad support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the footrest support extends the same distance in both closed and extended positions, then the chaise pad remains supported, but additional forward footrest support beyond the chaise pad cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechaise pad support continuityVSAvoidfootrest configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage system employs different movement dynamics for the middle and front sections. The middle ottoman linkage is designed to move in a relatively constant radial arc to maintain chaise pad support, while the front ottoman linkage is designed to extend beyond the chaise pad in the extended position. This dynamic differentiation allows the system to adapt to different positional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of moving object

If a slotted link mechanism is used to achieve split ottoman functionality, then additional forward footrest support can be provided, but the mechanism becomes complex and prone to malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootrest extension distanceVSAvoidlinkage mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex slotted link mechanism with a simpler linkage design using standard mechanical components. By eliminating the slotted link and its associated complexity, the design achieves the same functional outcome with fewer parts and lower risk of malfunction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9839297B2Split ottoman linkage accomodating a chaise pad

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO

AI summary

A split ottoman linkage having a plurality of interconnected links that move a middle ottoman and a front ottoman from a closed position to an extended position. The middle ottoman moves in a relatively constant radial arc, such that a chaise pad can be used on the chair. The middle ottoman and the front ottoman are positioned adjacent one another in the closed position, and are spaced from one another in the extended position.