Boat Seat Stowable Back Pivoting Against Hull

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boat seats require substantial space and movement to switch between seating and sunpad configurations, as the seat back must be vertically lifted and extended to be removed, which is inefficient in the confined cockpit environment.

Innovation Solution

A stowable seat back mechanism using a pivoting rod and locking arm system that allows the seat back to be rotated and locked against the boat hull, enabling deployment and stowage without extending the seat, thus conserving space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the seat back is vertically lifted and extended to be removed, then the seat can be converted to a sunpad configuration, but the space required within the boat cockpit increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion between seating and sunpad configurationsVSAvoidspace within boat cockpit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat back is rotated about a vertical axis rather than being lifted vertically or extended horizontally. This dimensional change allows the seat back to move between a deployed position (perpendicular to the hull) and a stowed position (flush against the hull) without requiring additional space in the cockpit, thus resolving the contradiction between convertability and space efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the seat back is extended to be removed, then the seat can be converted to a sunpad configuration, but the movement required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion between seating and sunpad configurationsVSAvoidmovement of seat cushion or support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat back is separated from the main seat structure and mounted on an independent pivoting mechanism. This segmentation allows the seat back to be rotated and locked independently, simplifying the conversion process to a single rotational movement rather than requiring complex multi-step movements involving both vertical lifting and horizontal extension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the seat back is stowed flush against the hull, then the space within the boat cockpit is conserved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace within boat cockpitVSAvoidpivoting mechanism and locking system

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm is designed to automatically engage with the locking member when the seat back is rotated to the deployed position, and automatically disengage when rotated to the stowed position. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation or additional actuation systems, reducing overall complexity while achieving the space-saving stowed configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9896165B2Boat seat with stowable seat back

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 GRADY WHITE BOATS INC

AI summary

A boat seat or lounge includes a stowable seat back. The stowable seat back pivots between a stowed position and a deployed position. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the seat back to the seat when in the deployed position. When stowed, the seat back pivots away from the seat and is received flush against the inner wall of the hull of a boat, to make up part of a bolster system for the cockpit of the boat.