Weatherproof Powered Lounge Chair for Mains-Independent Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional garden loungers require users to get up and adjust the backrest or footrest to change positions, which is inconvenient, especially for older individuals, and often require a power supply, making them unsuitable for outdoor use in gardens or on boats.
Innovation Solution
A garden lounger with a base frame, reclining frame, and a weatherproof drive unit that allows independent adjustment of sitting or lying positions without external power, using UV-resistant materials and encapsulated drive devices for durability and comfort, including a self-contained power supply and adjustable mattress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then the structure remains simple and portable, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must get up and manually adjust locks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electric motor-driven system. The motor is connected to the reclining frame through a gear mechanism, enabling automatic position adjustment via remote control or button operations, thereby eliminating the need for users to manually unlock and reposition mechanical locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a battery-powered electric motor as an intermediary between the user's control input and the reclining frame adjustment. This intermediary component translates simple control signals into the mechanical motion required for position change, simplifying the user's interaction while managing the complexity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If electric drive units are added for automatic adjustment, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and power supply requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-contained power system using a rechargeable battery integrated into the drive unit. The battery can be recharged via a docking station that connects to the outdoor power supply, or potentially through solar panels in some embodiments. This allows the lounger to operate independently without requiring continuous connection to external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic power management system where the battery operates in different modes: charging mode when connected to the docking station, and discharge mode during independent operation. The system adapts its power consumption based on usage patterns, adjusting motor operation efficiency to extend battery life during autonomous use.
3Reliability
If the lounger is designed for outdoor use with robust materials, then the reliability improves, but the weight and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite material construction, combining weather-resistant materials such as treated wood or aluminum for the frame with water-repellent synthetic fabrics for the upholstery. The frame may use powder-coated aluminum or stainless steel components that provide corrosion resistance while maintaining reasonable weight. The combination of these materials achieves durability for outdoor conditions without excessive weight gain.
Data Source
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AI summary
An outdoor lounge chair (2) comprises at least one weather-proof main frame (4), a weather-proof lounge chair frame (6) having at least two moveably mounted lounge chair frame elements, and at least one weather-proof drive unit (8) for supplying at least one drive device (26, 34) with electric energy. The drive unit (8) preferably comprises a combination of rechargeable battery (38), solar cell (82) and mains connection (78) and, in conjunction with the weather-proof design of the frames, contributes to a design of a portable and mains-independent outdoor lounge chair having an automatic adjustment function.