Adjustable Seat Bottoms for Space-Saving Convertible Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with limited space, such as boats, there is a need for hybrid furnishings that can serve multiple functions while optimizing space usage, particularly in seating solutions that can adapt to different configurations without manual adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The development of automatically adjustable seating apparatuses with slideably attached seat bottom portions and automatic adjusters, allowing the seating configuration to change between two back-to-back seats and a substantially flat surface, controlled by a programmable logic controller for user-preferred positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used for seat configuration changes, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The seat configuration system automatically adjusts between different configurations (seating position, flat surface position) without requiring manual intervention. The automatic adjusters detect user presence and autonomously control the seat bottom portions to transition between positions, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators to automatically position the seat bottom portions. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system improves ease of operation while accepting increased device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed seat configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to change configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The seat configuration is made dynamic rather than fixed. The seat bottom portions can automatically transition between different positions (retracted for seating, extended for flat surface) based on detected user presence and preferences, allowing the system to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple structural base.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can configure as two back-to-back seats for passenger accommodation, or transform into a substantially flat surface for cargo or other uses. This multi-functionality is achieved through automatic adjusters that enable the same structure to serve different purposes without requiring separate dedicated configurations.
3Ease of operation
If automatic adjusters are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic adjusters are controlled by a programmable logic controller that autonomously manages the seat configuration transitions. The system detects user presence and automatically positions the seat bottom portions without requiring manual input, making the complexity hidden from the user while providing seamless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect user presence and feedback signals that allow the programmable logic controller to monitor and adjust seat positions automatically. This feedback mechanism enables the automatic adjusters to respond to actual usage conditions, improving ease of operation while the control system manages the complexity of coordinating multiple adjusters.
Data Source
AI summary
Automatically adjustable seating apparatus are described. The automatically adjustable seating apparatus include first and second seat bottom portions that at least one of which is moveable. The first and/or second seat bottom portions are moveable by automatic adjusters that alter the position of a seat bottom portion between a retracted position and an extended position. When the moveable seat bottom portion or portions are in their retracted position, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus is configured as two seats back-to-back, and when the seat bottom portion or portions are in their extended positions, the automatically adjustable seating apparatus forms a substantially flat surface.