Boat Seat Compartment Lid With Fold-Out Step and Stowable Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat seating solutions lack versatility and efficient stowability, particularly in limited deck spaces, as they often require complex mechanisms or compromise on functionality when transitioning between stowed and use positions.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and stowable seat system with a hinged lid that serves as a stepping platform when the seat is in a stowed position, featuring a compartment with moveable components and a non-slip surface, allowing for easy conversion between stowed and use positions using a combination of j-shaped slots and a magnetic retainer for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the seat is designed to be foldable and stowable in limited deck space, then the deck space utilization is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into separate components: a base unit with storage area, a slidable frame, cushions, and a hinged lid. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and stored, enabling compact stowage in limited deck space while maintaining functional versatility when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The seat incorporates dynamic elements including a slidable frame that can move between retracted and extended positions, cushions that can be repositioned, and a hinged lid that pivots between covering and open positions. These dynamic features allow the seat to transform from a compact stowed state to a functional seating/lounging configuration, optimizing deck space utilization
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lid is used as a stepping platform when the seat is stowed, then the versatility is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid serves multiple functions: it acts as a cover for the storage compartment when the seat is stowed, provides a stepping platform for user access, and can be positioned in various configurations. This multi-functionality enhances versatility without requiring separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in mechanism complexity
3Ease of operation
If the seat uses a track system and hinged lid for easy conversion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with simpler guide tracks that constrain movement paths and a hinged lid mechanism that uses gravity and friction for retention. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation, as users can easily slide the frame along tracks and pivot the lid without complex assembly/disassembly procedures
4Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is designed with storage area and movable components, then the functionality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into separate manufacturable components: base unit with storage area, slidable frame, cushions, and hinged lid. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling versatile functionality when assembled
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 seat system provides versatile and efficient use of deck space by allowing the seat to be easily converted from a stowed position to a usable seat or platform, ensuring safety with a non-slip surface and secure retention mechanisms, enhancing user convenience and deck space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic retainer for secure positioning
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the invention, a folding stowable seat for use on a boat is provided that includes a compartment in which the seat is stowed when not in use; a moveable lid attached with a hinged connection to the boat, the lid covering the compartment when the seat is stowed, and a top side of the lid configured for use as a step on the boat for use by boaters, and the lid is raisable about the hinged connection to an upright position to move the seat into a use position; a seat back; a seat bottom; and a movement assembly connecting the seat bottom to the compartment, the movement assembly facilitating movement of the seat bottom from a stowed position contained entirely within the compartment to a use position wherein the seat is at least partially outside of the compartment.