Bleacher Seatback Simultaneous Locking for Rapid Storage Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bleacher seating systems require individual unlocking and lowering of seatbacks for compact storage, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and do not allow for a low profile configuration that maximizes walking space when collapsed.
Innovation Solution
A bleacher seating system with a release mechanism featuring an actuator bar and release members that allow all seatbacks in a row to be simultaneously locked and unlocked from a single location, coupled with deck clamps for secure mounting, enabling rapid conversion between upright and collapsed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual seatbacks are unlocked and lowered separately for storage, then each seatback can be positioned independently, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual seatback locking mechanisms are merged into a single centralized locking system. The lock bar extends horizontally across all seatbacks in a row, with locking members that can simultaneously engage or disengage from all seatbacks through one operational action, transforming individual operations into a unified simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into modular components including a lock bar with multiple locking members spaced along its length, each corresponding to a specific seatback. This segmentation allows the system to independently control each seatback while enabling simultaneous operation through the unified lock bar mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If seatbacks are mounted on the deck in a conventional manner, then mounting is straightforward, but the storage profile height is increased and walking space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seat mounting position is changed from a conventional rear-mounted or side-mounted configuration to a front-edge-mounted configuration. By attaching seats to the forward edge portion of the deck, the vertical clearance underneath the seats is maximized, allowing the seatbacks to fold down closer to the deck surface and reducing the overall storage profile height.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting bracket system serves as an intermediary between the deck and the seats, providing a flexible connection that allows the seats to be positioned at an optimal angle and location. The brackets facilitate mounting at the forward edge while accommodating the folding motion of the seatbacks, mediating between the structural requirements of the deck and the spatial requirements of the folded configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If seatbacks are mounted away from the forward edge of the deck, then mounting is simpler, but walking space and leg room are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting location is shifted forward to the very edge of the deck, utilizing the previously underutilized front edge space. This repositioning moves the seat attachment point from the deck surface or rear edge to the forwardmost boundary, effectively transferring walking space from under the seats to the areas between and behind the seats.
Data Source
AI summary
A bleacher seating system provides a seatback locking and release mechanism to allow for rapid simultaneous repositioning of the seat backs in each row of seating. The system includes a plurality of seats arranged in a row and coupled to a forward edge portion of a deck via seat mounting brackets in the form of parallel plates each defining a gap therebetween. Each of the seats includes a seat portion and a back portion that is pivotable between an upright use position and a collapsed storage position. An elongate actuator bar is rotatably supported in respective bores formed in the plates, and seatback brackets are positioned in the gaps for pivotably coupling the back portions to respective seat mounting brackets. Release members extend from the elongate actuator bar and are disposed in the gaps for selective engagement with pivot-lock elements of the seatback brackets.