Beam Seating Connector Design for Space-Efficient Stadium Installation

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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 components, and incur high manufacturing costs and material degradation issues, especially when exposed to sunlight.

Innovation Solution

A beam mounting system with a channel configuration for connectors that allows for easy attachment and rotation, reducing the need for extensive leveling and using a single piece of metal for the chair frame with a pivot mechanism, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If plates are used to space the beam away from the riser, then the beam can be secured at a distance, but additional space is taken up and the beam projects out far from the concrete riser

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam mounting capabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by beam system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intermediate spacing plates from the system. Instead of using plates to space the beam away from the riser, the beam is secured directly to the riser face, eliminating the extra space occupation while maintaining mounting capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of spacing the beam away from the riser using plates, the invention inverts the approach by having the beam contact the riser directly at its rear face, reversing the traditional spacing concept to achieve space efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If hundreds of plates need to be independently set level, then proper installation can be achieved, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleveling precision of mounting platesVSAvoidinstallation time for leveling plates

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the leveling function into the beam itself rather than requiring separate plates to be leveled. The beam serves as both the structural element and the mounting surface, eliminating the need to independently level multiple plates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam is given multiple functions: it provides structural support, serves as the mounting surface for chairs, and inherently provides the leveling function that previously required separate plates. This multi-functionality eliminates the time-consuming plate leveling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

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 capital costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechair mounting capabilityVSAvoiddurability against sunlight degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive glass reinforced nylon material with a simpler, more durable metal clamp. The metal clamp provides long-term durability without degradation from sunlight exposure, eliminating the reliability issue while maintaining mounting capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses metal (likely steel or aluminum) for the clamp instead of glass reinforced nylon, selecting a material with superior durability and resistance to environmental degradation while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties for securing chairs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If custom beam extrusion and custom support molds are used, then the system can be manufactured, but capital costs and manufacturing difficulties increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of beam and supportVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and capital costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the beam (which can remain custom extruded) from the support clamp (which is replaced by a simpler metal component). This segmentation allows the complex custom beam to be paired with a simple, easily manufactured clamp, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and capital costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11026515B2Beam seating system

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 SERIES INTERNATIONAL LLC

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.