Tablet Arm with Extruded Hinge and Counter-Clockwise Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tablet arms for chairs are complex, costly to manufacture, and often require multiple plastic parts and fasteners, with limited space for storage due to clockwise rotation mechanisms, which can be less durable and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A tablet arm system using metal extrusions with a counter-clockwise rotation mechanism, reducing parts and incorporating a support system with armrests that allow the tablet to pivot from a stowed to usable position, providing a larger surface area and improved storage by rotating counter-clockwise from the user's perspective, utilizing a rotatable connection that allows movement about two axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple injection molded parts are used to construct the tablet arm, then the mechanism can be assembled with various components, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase for each part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate injection molded parts into a single integrated metal extrusion component. The tablet arm mechanism is now constructed from one continuous metal profile that incorporates all structural elements, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and their associated fasteners and bearings.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal extrusion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates the rotation mechanism through its geometry, incorporates mounting features, and enables the pivot motion. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required several specialized components.
2Ease of manufacture
If injection molded materials are used for the tablet arm, then manufacturing is simplified, but durability decreases compared to metal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from plastic to metal, specifically using aluminum extrusion. This material substitution provides superior durability, strength, and longevity while the extrusion process itself remains a streamlined manufacturing method comparable to injection molding in terms of efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a clockwise rotation mechanism is used for the tablet arm, then the mechanism can be compact, but storage space is limited due to the rotation path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional clockwise rotation direction to counter-clockwise rotation. This reversal changes the rotation path and allows the tablet arm to utilize previously unused space above and behind the chair supports, thereby increasing storage space availability while maintaining mechanism compactness.
4Manufacturing precision
If numerous fasteners and bearings are used to assemble the tablet arm, then the mechanism can be constructed with precise joints, but inventory complexity increases and failure points multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all joint functions directly into the metal extrusion geometry. The precise joints are achieved through the extruded profile's built-in features rather than through separate fasteners and bearings, eliminating numerous assembly components while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A tablet mechanism for chairs which allows the tablet to be stored higher and more rearward to enable the tablet to utilize more space available so that the tablet can be larger. The mechanism includes extruded hinge components and allows the tablet to rotate counter clockwise and then down when viewed from the perspective of a seated user and when looking to the right.