Convertible Bench-Picnic Table with Pivot-Pin Backrest Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible benches/tables face issues with stability, aesthetics, and ease of configuration, as they are often constructed from metal and can be cumbersome to switch between bench and table configurations.
Innovation Solution
A seating assembly with a bench configuration that includes a seat and backrest mounted on rear legs with pivot pins and locking assemblies, allowing easy conversion between bench and table modes, using wood or plastic components for stability and aesthetic appeal, and featuring a locking mechanism to secure the backrest in the table configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If convertible benches/tables are constructed from metal frame, then structural strength is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates (less desirable for consumers seeking natural aesthetic)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining metal components (mounting posts, pivot pins, locking assemblies) with wooden elements (seat, backrest, bases). This allows the structural framework to provide necessary strength while the natural wood components deliver aesthetic appeal, resolving the contradiction between metal strength and natural appearance.
2Ease of operation
If convertible benches/tables are designed with complex mechanism, then ease of conversion is improved, but device complexity increases (cumbersome to switch between configurations)
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into multiple sections that can independently pivot and lock, allowing incremental conversion rather than requiring movement of the entire assembly. This segmentation simplifies the conversion process while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting posts incorporate pivot pins that enable dynamic movement between fixed and movable states. The locking assemblies can be easily engaged or disengaged to transition between bench and table configurations, providing ease of operation without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If convertible benches/tables are designed for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates (suffer from stability issues)
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assemblies are pre-positioned on the mounting posts at optimal locations to provide stability when engaged. This beforehand positioning ensures that when the locking assemblies are engaged during installation, they immediately provide the necessary structural stability without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses in the rear legs automatically align with and guide the locking assemblies into their proper positions during installation. This self-aligning feature simplifies installation while ensuring that the locking mechanisms are correctly positioned to provide maximum stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating assembly having a bench configuration and a table configuration. The seating assembly comprises a bench having a seat with two rear legs that extend above the seat and a backrest mounted onto a spaced-apart pair of bases that are mounted on respective ones of the rear legs. Each rear leg includes a recess configured to receive a portion of one of the bases to support the backrest in the bench configuration. A pair of mounting posts are installed adjacent to the rear legs to hold respective ones of the bases and further include pivot pins extending through holes on each mounting post and extending through holes on one of each of the pair of bases. The backrest and bases can rotate about the pivot pin to switch between the bench configuration and the table configuration. Two seating assemblies may be combined to form a full-sized table.