Collapsible sheltered bench
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible benches with canopies face issues of increased weight, bulkiness, and structural integrity concerns due to the addition of canopies, which compromise portability and cost-effectiveness, especially in outdoor and adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible sheltered bench design featuring a base member with pivotally connected support units and a canopy member that extends over the sitting surface, allowing for a reversible attachment and tension-based structural support, reducing the number of components and weight while maintaining stability and sheltering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a canopy is added to portable seating to provide shelter against adverse weather conditions, then sheltering capability is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is divided into two separate components: a lightweight collapsible canopy structure and a separate base member. This segmentation allows the canopy to be detached and stored when not in use, providing sheltering capability only when needed while avoiding the permanent weight penalty of an integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the base member rather than being permanently fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to transition between lightweight portable mode and sheltered mode, resolving the contradiction between weight and sheltering capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a canopy is added to portable seating to provide shelter, then sheltering capability is improved, but the structure becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy components are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, and the canopy itself can be stored within or alongside the base member when not in use. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied by the sheltering components during transport and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy transitions from a compact collapsed state during transport to an expanded sheltered state during use. This dynamic transformation allows the system to provide adequate sheltering volume when needed while occupying minimal space during storage and transport.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a canopy is added to portable seating, then sheltering capability is improved, but structural integrity becomes compromised due to exposure to adverse weather
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the canopy from the base member, the critical structural components (base member, sitting surface, support legs) are protected from direct weather exposure while the canopy provides shelter. This segmentation allows the base member to maintain structural integrity in harsh conditions while the canopy handles the weather exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy acts as an intermediary protective element that shields the base member and sitting surface from adverse weather conditions. Rather than exposing the entire structure to weather, the canopy mediates by providing a protective barrier over the critical structural components.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a canopy is added to portable seating to provide shelter, then sheltering capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows each component (canopy and base member) to be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes. The canopy can be made from lightweight materials like polyester or nylon with aluminum or fiberglass poles, while the base member uses standard portable bench components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to an integrated design.
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 provides improved portability, stability, and cost-effectiveness by distributing structural strength evenly and reducing weight, while ensuring reliable sheltering without compromising structural integrity, even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The support members of each pair are pivotally connected together such that each pair of support members are operable to move from a spaced configuration in the first open position of the base member to an adjacent configuration in the second compact position
Implementation Method 2
the cover extends over at least a portion of the sitting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible sheltered bench operable to have a first collapsed configuration and a second erect configuration. The sheltered bench includes a base member comprising a bench surface for sitting. The sheltered bench further includes a canopy member having first and second support members and a cover. In the erect configuration the first and second support members extend from a first side of the sitting surface to a second substantially opposed side of the sitting surface along opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the sitting surface. The first and second support members support the cover such that the cover extends over at least a portion of the sitting surface.