Beam Seating Channel Connector for Space-Saving Stadium Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam-based seating systems in stadiums require significant space, are difficult to install due to the need for precise leveling of multiple supports, and incur high manufacturing costs due to complex molds and materials like glass-reinforced nylon, which degrades over time when exposed to sunlight.
Innovation Solution
A beam mounting system with a channel configuration for connectors that allow chairs to be securely attached without projecting far from the riser, using a simpler manufacturing process with stamped metal frames and reduced need for leveling, and incorporating non-metallic spacers to prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If plates are used to space the beam away from the riser, then the beam can be secured to the riser, but additional space is taken up and the beam projects out far from the concrete riser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spacing plates from the system entirely. Instead of using plates to space the beam away from the riser, the beam is secured directly to the riser face, eliminating the additional space projection while maintaining secure attachment capability
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than spacing the beam away from the riser and then finding a way to attach it, the invention inverts the approach by attaching the beam directly to the riser face, making the attachment mechanism itself provide the necessary positioning without requiring additional spacing components
2Ease of operation
If hundreds of plates are used to secure beams, then each beam can be mounted, but each plate needs to be independently set level which is a difficult task
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate leveling operations into a single leveling process. By using continuous beams instead of discrete plates, the entire row of seating can be leveled as one unit rather than requiring independent leveling of hundreds of individual plates, dramatically simplifying the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The beam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the seating plane, and acts as the mounting surface for chairs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate leveling plates and reduces the number of components that require individual adjustment
3Strength
If glass reinforced nylon material is used for the support clamp, then the chair can be secured to the beam, but the material degrades over time when exposed to sunlight and manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, sunlight-sensitive glass reinforced nylon with simple, inexpensive metal components (aluminum or steel). These metal supports and clamps are durable, resistant to UV degradation, and can be easily replaced if needed, providing a more sustainable long-term solution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses metal materials (aluminum or steel) that inherently provide both structural strength and UV resistance without requiring composite construction. The metal supports may be coated or treated for corrosion resistance, providing a simple yet effective material solution that eliminates the degradation issues of plastic materials
Data Source
AI summary
A beam seating assembly has a frame supporting a seating surface. A beam secures to a first support and extends in a longitudinal direction. A channel is located the beam free of the first support. The frame has a lower portion with a connector that is insertable into the channel transverse to the longitudinal direction and the connector, once inserted into the channel, is retained from removal out of the channel in a direction. The connector is insertable into a first portion of the channel and a second portion of the connector rotatable into a second portion of the channel and then slidable away from the first portion such that the first and second portions of the connector are retained within the channel but are slidable in the longitudinal direction until the connector is fixedly secured to the beam. The frame is made in certain aspects from a flat plate.