Beam Seating Connector with Angled Channel Insertion to Reduce Space
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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 allows for easy installation and reduced space usage, featuring a connector that is rotatable and slidable within the channel to secure chairs to the beam, and a metal frame with a pivot mechanism for flexible seating arrangements, using stamped and bent metal plates for cost-effective manufacturing.
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 securely mounted, but additional space is consumed and the beam projects farther from the riser
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a traditional linear mounting approach to a multi-dimensional insertion path. The connector is inserted into the channel at an angle, then rotated and slid transverse to the longitudinal direction, utilizing three-dimensional space within the channel to achieve secure mounting without requiring additional spacing plates that would consume extra space.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is nested within the channel structure of the beam. The channel provides a receptacle that houses the connector, allowing the mounting mechanism to be integrated within the beam's own structure rather than requiring external plates or supports that would increase the overall space occupation.
2Strength
If multiple plates are used to support the beam, then the beam can be securely mounted, but each plate requires independent leveling which complicates installation
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mounting functions are merged into a single integrated connector component. Instead of using multiple separate plates that each require independent leveling, the connector combines mounting, positioning, and securing functions in one element that is inserted into and retained by the channel, eliminating the need for multiple leveling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the beam, ensures proper positioning through the channel's geometry, and secures the mounting through retention mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate leveling plates and simplifies the installation process.
3Strength
If glass reinforced nylon material is used for the connector, then the connector can securely clamp the beam, but the material degrades over time when exposed to sunlight and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition parameter is changed from glass reinforced nylon to metal material. This parameter change maintains the required clamping capability and strength while eliminating the degradation issue associated with polymer materials exposed to sunlight, and reduces manufacturing costs by using simpler, more conventional materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat connection mechanism having a bracket portion which is metal and includes a pivot area, an opening and a channel. A metal pin portion includes a pin and a stop portion, the pin rests in the pivot area such that the shelf portion inhibits movement of the pin portion along the pin's rotation axis, the pin configured to rotate within the pivot area about a rotation axis. The channel in the bracket portion arranged to pass adjacent and through an area of the center pivot, the channel arranged such that the stop portion of the pin portion are insertable into the channel through the opening at an insertion angle to allow the pin to rest in the pivot area and such that when the pin rotates within the center pivot, the stop portion of the pin portion moves within the bracket and the stop portion is configured to interact with the bracket at one or more predefined positions to stop rotation of the pin portion.