Telescoping mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable armrests in office chairs often suffer from rattle and undesirable play due to sliding surfaces, which can lead to a perception of poor quality or improper adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable telescoping armrest assembly featuring a first support member and a second support member with a damping element that engages the first support member, along with an adjustment lock mechanism and a flexible collar to reduce vibration and enhance sliding stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping mechanisms are used to provide adjustable armrests, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but rattle and undesirable play between sliding surfaces occur
Solution Approach 1:
A damping element is introduced as an intermediary component between the first support member and second support member. This damping element absorbs vibrations and reduces play between the sliding surfaces, eliminating the rattle and undesirable movement that occurs in conventional telescoping mechanisms while preserving the adjustability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is pre-installed within the telescoping mechanism to provide cushioning before any rattle or play can occur. This proactive approach ensures that vibrations and impacts are absorbed from the outset, preventing the harmful effects of loose fittings and unstable sliding surfaces throughout the adjustment range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping mechanisms are used for armrest adjustment, then ergonomic flexibility is improved, but quality perception deteriorates due to rattle and play
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element serves as a mediator that eliminates the connection between the adjustable armrest function and the harmful rattle. By absorbing vibrations and preventing play, it ensures that the ergonomic flexibility is delivered without compromising quality perception or reliability.
3Ease of operation
If sliding surfaces are used for telescoping adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to rattle and play
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element is integrated into the sliding mechanism to provide continuous cushioning throughout the adjustment range. This ensures that while the armrest remains easy to adjust, the sliding surfaces maintain stability without rattle or play, as the damping element continuously absorbs vibrations and prevents loose movement.
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 solution effectively minimizes rattle and play between sliding surfaces, providing a smoother and quieter adjustment experience while maintaining flexibility and ergonomics.
Implementation Method 1
At least one damping element is provided that extends from outside the second support member, through a corresponding damping element aperture on the second support member into the interior volume and engages the first support member
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, provided is an adjustable telescoping assembly. The adjustable telescoping assembly comprises a first support member and a second support member that is slidable upon the first support member and which defines an interior volume. At least one damping element is provided that extends from outside the second support member, through a corresponding damping element aperture on the second support member into the interior volume and engages the first support member.