Convertible Bench Structure With Pivoting Backrest Table Function

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seating furniture, such as benches, lack the functionality of a table surface, which is often not feasible due to space constraints and additional manufacturing and storage requirements.

Innovation Solution

A bench design with a pivoting seating surface and backrest that converts into a table position, allowing the seating surface parts to pivot outward and the backrest to be folded up, creating a horizontal table surface within the existing space without requiring additional space or a separate table.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate table is provided in addition to the bench, then the table function is available, but additional space and manufacturing expense are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable functionVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the table function with the bench structure by making the backrest pivotable to serve as a table top. The backrest is hinged to the seating surface and can be rotated from its normal seating position to form a horizontal table surface, combining two separate furniture functions into one integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backrest serves multiple functions: it provides back support during seating, and when pivoted to the horizontal position, it becomes a table top. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate table, addressing both the versatility improvement and space reduction requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate table is provided in addition to the bench, then the table function is available, but additional manufacturing expense is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable functionVSAvoidmanufacturing expense

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the table function with the bench structure by making the backrest pivotable to serve as a table top. The backrest is hinged to the seating surface and can be rotated from its normal seating position to form a horizontal table surface, combining two separate furniture functions into one integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backrest serves multiple functions: it provides back support during seating, and when pivoted to the horizontal position, it becomes a table top. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate table, addressing both the versatility improvement and space reduction requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the seating surface is divided and pivoted outward, then a table position is created, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating to table conversionVSAvoidpivoting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seating surface is divided into two separate parts, each with its own pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows each side to be independently pivoted outward to create the table configuration, providing versatility while keeping each individual mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backrest and seating surface parts are designed with pivot joints that allow dynamic transformation between seating and table positions. The pivoting mechanism enables the structure to adapt its configuration based on usage requirements, transitioning smoothly between states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9247813B2Seating furniture with integrated table function

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 GUSTO PRODS & SERVICES

AI summary

An item of seating furniture in the form of a bench (10) includes a backrest (11) and a seating surface (12), and has two rear support legs (13) arranged in the backrest (11) plane and two front support legs (14) arranged in each of the front outer corner regions of the seating surface (12). The seating surface (12) is divided perpendicularly to the plane of the backrest (11) and each of the seating surface parts (25) formed in this manner also have at least one inner-lying support leg (16). The two seating surface parts (25) can be pivoted outwards about their respective rear support legs (13) and into a seating position. The backrest (11), which is pivotally mounted on a main frame, can be pivoted into a horizontal table position.