Collapsible seat device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat devices require a time-consuming and cumbersome manual process to transition from a collapsed state to an expanded state and back.
Innovation Solution
A seat device design featuring a connecting strut with a central pivoting hinge, gas-filled compressible/expandable dampers, and cable pull mechanisms to facilitate quick and easy conversion between states, along with hinges and elastic connections for the side and backrest elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual conversion process is used to transfer seat from collapsed state to expanded state, then structural simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and operational effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic conversion mechanisms including a telescopic connection rod with pivot hinges that enable automatic expansion and collapse of the seat device. The connection rod can extend to push side parts into expanded position and retract to allow collapsing, transforming the static manual folding process into a dynamic assisted movement process that reduces operational time and effort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a telescopic connection rod as an intermediary mechanical element between the backrest and side parts. This connection rod acts as a mediator that transmits force and motion to facilitate the conversion between collapsed and expanded states, reducing the direct manual effort required by the user while maintaining mechanical advantage
2Productivity
If multiple hinge mechanisms and connecting struts are added to facilitate quick conversion, then conversion speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the side parts into multiple sections (first side part, second side part, third side part) that can be independently folded and positioned. Each segment is connected through hinge mechanisms that allow controlled movement, enabling the complex conversion process to be broken down into simpler, coordinated segmental movements that are easier to manage and control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the telescopic connection rod is housed within the backrest structure, and the side parts are nested against each other in the collapsed state. The connection rod can extend from within the backrest to drive the expansion, and the side parts nest together to minimize volume when collapsed, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining functionality
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
Significantly reduces the time and effort required to convert the seat between collapsed and expanded states, enhancing usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-filled, reversibly compressible/expandable gas pressure damper is arranged between the backrest element and a partial area of a side part close to the backrest element of a side part on the backrest element absorbs compression energy and releases it again when the relevant partial area of a side part moves away from the backrest element in order to stabilize the relevant partial area of a side part at a maximum distance from the backrest element
Implementation Method 2
a gas-filled, reversibly compressible/expandable gas pressure damper is arranged between the connecting part and a partial area of a side part close to the connecting part, which absorbs compression energy when the relevant partial area of a side part close to the connecting element moves towards the connecting part and releases it again when the relevant portion of a side part is moved away from the connecting part
Implementation Method 3
the two side parts in the area of an end face close to the respective backrest element being moved by one first hinge pivotable about a vertical axis, in order to reversibly transfer the side parts from a normal position, in which the side parts are arranged perpendicular to the backrest element, into a stowed position, in which the side parts are aligned parallel to the backrest element
Data Source
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AI summary
In a seat device (100) with two side parts (110, 111) and one backrest element (120) and one seat element (130) which can be anchored to the side parts (110, 111) in an at least indirectly releasable manner, wherein in the region of a front face close to the relevant backrest element (120), the two side parts (110, 111) are each mounted about a first hinge (141) that can pivot about a vertical axis, in order to reversibly transfer the side parts (110, 111) from a normal position, in which the side parts (110, 111) are arranged vertically to the backrest element (120), to a storage position, in which the side parts (110, 111) are oriented parallel to the backrest element (120), a simple manual operation of transferring a seat from a collapsed state to an expanded state and back is achieved in that a connecting brace (200) connecting the connection part (150) to the backrest element (120) is provided. Said connection brace (200) is subdivided by a central swing hinge (230) into a first part (210) close to the backrest element (120) and a second part (220) close to the connection part (150), wherein a front face (211), close to the backrest element (120), of the first part (210) is hinged to the backrest element (120) by means of a first swing hinge (2111) and a front face (211), close to the connection part (150), of the second part (221) is hinged to the connection part (150) by means of a second swing hinge (2211).