Variable-Lift Recliner Cradle Mechanism for Extended Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift and recline mechanisms for chairs are limited in providing extra lift and additional comfortable positions for users, as they are constrained by the specific travel path of the lift and recline mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A lift and recline chair mechanism with a cradle assembly and actuators that allow for enhanced movement, including a cradle actuator to move the lift-recline base forward and upward, and a controller to coordinate the movement of lift-recline and backrest actuators, providing increased vertical lift and recline positions, as well as the ability to offset the back from the cradle base for improved comfort and wall clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a standard lift and recline mechanism is used, then the chair provides basic lifting and reclining functions, but the vertical lift distance and range of motion are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lift mechanism is divided into two independent stages: a first lift-recline mechanism that provides initial lifting and reclining, and a second cradle mechanism that provides additional forward movement and upward tilting. This segmentation allows the chair to achieve greater vertical lift and extended range of motion without requiring a single overly complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle mechanism is nested within or integrated with the lift-recline mechanism. The cradle assembly includes front and rear links that connect to the lift-recline base, creating a nested structure where the second mechanism operates within the framework of the first, enabling compounded movement capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If the backrest is extended forward for reclining, then recline comfort is improved, but wall clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle mechanism performs a preliminary forward movement of the entire lift-recline base before the backrest extends forward for reclining. This preliminary action creates additional space between the backrest and the wall, allowing the backrest to extend further for improved comfort without compromising wall clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of only moving the backrest forward in a straight line, the cradle mechanism introduces an additional dimension of movement by tilting the entire lift-recline base upward while moving it forward. This dimensional change allows the backrest to achieve greater extension while maintaining adequate clearance from the wall.
Data Source
AI summary
A recliner or lift and recliner chair is provided having a recline or lift and recline chair mechanism with preferably with at least one recline or lift-recline actuator that controls a reclining movement or a lifting and reclining movement. The chair mechanism has a recline or lift-recline base, a seat and a back connected thereto. For additional functionality, a cradle assembly is provided in order to provide a cradling movement to the recline or lift-recline base. The cradle assembly can be provided by a system of standoffs and pivot connections, which can be direct or use links, or can be configured with a track and roller or slide system in order to achieve a desired cradling movement. A cradle actuator is connected between the cradle base and the recline or lift-recline base. A controller is provided that controls movement of the cradle actuator and preferably at least one recline or lift-recline actuator.