Tilt locking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilt locking devices for chair seats are not compact enough for slim office chairs, are difficult to assemble, and often lack the desired resolution for precise angle adjustment, compromising durability and user satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A compact tilt locking device design featuring a housing with first and second rotatable locking members biased by an intermediate spring, a rotatable activation member with a spring for secure interlocking with a notch member, and a handle-controlled activation rod for easy operation, allowing for high-resolution angle adjustment and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional tilt locking device with notches is used, then the device is durable and can lock at discrete positions, but the device is not compact enough for slim office chairs and has limited adjustment resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the activation member, with the locking member having a smaller diameter than the activation member. The locking member rotates about the first axis while the activation member rotates about the second axis, creating a compact nested structure that reduces overall device volume while maintaining locking functionality through the intermediate member that transfers rotation between the two members
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second rotation axis for the activation member that is distinct from the first rotation axis of the locking member. This dimensional change allows the activation mechanism to be separated from the locking mechanism, enabling compact nesting while preserving the discrete locking positions provided by the notch member
2Reliability
If a tilt locking device with multiple parts is used, then the device can provide secure locking, but the assembly of the chair becomes complicated and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member and activation member are combined into a single integrated assembly that rotates about two different axes. The intermediate member couples these two rotation motions, merging the locking function and activation function into one compact unit that can be assembled as a single component rather than multiple separate parts
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate member serves multiple functions: it connects the locking member to the activation member, transfers rotational motion between the two different axes, and maintains the structural integrity of the nested arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
3Measurement precision
If a tilt locking device with limited notches is used, then the device is simple and durable, but the user cannot achieve precise angle adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the locking member can be rotated to different angular positions about the first axis, and the activation member can be rotated about the second axis to selectively engage different notches on the notch member. This dynamic two-axis rotation system provides continuous angular adjustment capability while maintaining discrete locking positions, achieving high measurement precision without excessive structural complexity
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 provides a compact, easy-to-assemble tilt locking device with high-resolution angle adjustment capabilities, ensuring secure locking and improved user control, addressing the limitations of existing devices in terms of space, assembly complexity, and adjustment precision.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate member is biased in the first direction by an intermediate member spring
Implementation Method 2
The rotatable activation member comprises an activation member spring for resiliently abutting and rotating the first and second locking members
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt locking device for a chair, comprising a housing configured for connection to one of a seat and a frame; a first rotatable locking member, rotatable about a first axis and biased in a first direction about the first axis, the first rotatable locking member is configured for interlocking with a notch member; a rotatable activation member, rotatable about a second axis, the rotatable activation member is configured to abut and rotate the first rotatable locking member in a second direction opposite the first direction into interlocking with the notch member.