Systems and methods for providing a convertible bench

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current furniture solutions that combine a bench with a backrest and a table are often costly and space-intensive, making it difficult to have both functionalities in a single piece of furniture.

Innovation Solution

A convertible bench design that pivots from a backrest position to a tabletop position, utilizing arched leg supports and cross members to provide strength while minimizing material usage, allowing for a compact and versatile furniture piece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate bench with backrest and table are purchased, then both functionalities are available, but cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefurniture functionalityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bench is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serve as a bench with backrest support in a first configuration, and transform into a table with tabletop surface in a second configuration. The backrest/table portion is hingedly coupled to the base, allowing it to pivot between these two functional states, enabling a single piece of furniture to replace both a bench and a table

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of a bench and a table into a single integrated furniture piece. The bench includes both a base and a backrest/table portion that can function as either backrest support or tabletop surface, merging two separate furniture items into one unified structure that saves space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If traditional bench and table designs are used, then structural strength is sufficient, but material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs arched leg supports instead of traditional straight leg designs. The arches in the leg supports provide structural strength while requiring less material than conventional straight legs. The curved geometry of the arches efficiently distributes loads, maintaining structural integrity while reducing material consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11849850B2Systems and methods for providing a convertible bench

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 NORTON M BRENT

AI summary

Systems and methods for moving a convertible bench between a first position, which presents a backrest, and a second position, which presents a tabletop, is described herein. While the described systems can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include a base having a first end piece that has a first set of legs with a first arched leg support that extends between the first set of legs and a second end piece having a second set of legs with a second arched leg support that extends between the second set of legs. The bench further includes a backrest/table portion that is hingedly coupled to the base so as to be pivotable from a first position that presents a backrest to a second position that presents a tabletop. Other implementations are described.