Bench Seat and Backrest Hinge Layout for Integrated Table Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seating furniture with a foldable backrest has a limited storage area and a low-height table when the backrest is folded down, which restricts its usability as a functional table surface.
Innovation Solution
A bench design with a pivotable backrest and seat section connected via a hinge, allowing the backrest and seat to be lifted and extended into a horizontal position, forming an integrated table surface, with a movable support to maintain stability and adjustability, enabling comfortable seating for multiple people and providing additional seating configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the backrest is folded down to create a table surface, then a table function is provided, but the storage area becomes limited and the table height is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into a stationary part and a movable foldable section. The movable section can be folded down to create a table surface while the stationary part remains to provide storage area, thus resolving the contradiction between table function and storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest section is designed to be dynamically foldable between an upright position (providing storage) and a folded-down position (providing table surface). This dynamic transformation allows the furniture to adapt between different functions without permanently sacrificing storage area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the backrest section is folded down to create a table, then a table surface is available, but the table height is relatively low above the seat area
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simply folding the backrest down in the same plane, the invention allows the backrest section to be folded down and positioned at a different vertical level. The movable backrest section can be folded to a position that provides adequate table height above the seat, creating a three-dimensional configuration that resolves the height limitation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable backrest section is added to provide table function, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table function is merged with the backrest structure itself. The movable backrest section serves dual purposes: as a backrest when upright and as a table surface when folded down. This integration eliminates the need for separate table furniture, reducing overall complexity despite the foldable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable backrest section is designed to perform multiple functions: providing backrest support, creating a table surface, and potentially serving as additional seating. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate furniture pieces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the seat section is pivotally connected to allow lifting, then table function is enabled, but the stability of the folded-out table top is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal connection between the seat section and backrest section is pre-designed with appropriate friction characteristics and geometric constraints that provide inherent stability when folded out. The geometry of the pivotal connection and the weight distribution are configured in advance to ensure the table top remains stable during use without requiring additional active stabilization mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances seating comfort and functionality by creating a spacious table surface without additional furniture, accommodating multiple users and offering versatile seating positions, including the ability to rotate or displace components for optimal use.
Implementation Method 1
the backrest section, which is connected to the base frame at its upper free end by means of a hinge, can be lifted together with the backrest section into a horizontal position
Implementation Method 2
to fix the backrest section with the seat section held thereon in the raised position on the base frame e movable, erectable and fixable support is arranged on the underside of the backrest section
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
Seating furniture in the form of a bench with a base frame (10) and a seat (11) supported thereon on the one hand and a backrest (12) on the other, wherein at least one seat section (13) and one backrest section (14) are designed separately from the adjacent sub-sections (15, 16) of the seat (11) and backrest (12) of the seating furniture, and the seat section (13) pivotably connected to the backrest section (14) is liftable from the base frame (10) and can be lifted out together with the backrest section (14) into a horizontal position at a distance from the seat (11) of the seating furniture, with an extended arrangement of the backrest section (14) and seat section (13), by pivoting the backrest section (14) connected at its upper free end to the base frame (10) by means of a hinge (17).wherein a movable, adjustable support (19) which can be fixed to the underside of the backrest section (14) is arranged on the base frame (10) to secure the backrest section (14) with the seat section (13) held thereto in the raised position.