Convertible Bench Structure With Integrated Table Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seating furniture, such as benches, lack a multifunctional design that allows for both seating and storage without requiring additional space or table furniture, which increases production costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A bench design with a backrest and seat that can be converted into a table by pivoting the seat parts outward and folding the backrest into a horizontal position, using a base frame and support mechanism to create a table surface within the existing footprint of the bench.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate table is provided in addition to seating furniture, then the table function is available, but additional space is required and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the table function with the seating furniture by integrating the tabletop as part of the bench structure. The tabletop is formed by the backrest when it is in the horizontal position, merging two separate functions (seating and table) into a single piece of furniture, thereby eliminating the need for additional space and reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used as seating furniture with the backrest in the vertical position, and as a table when the backrest is in the horizontal position. This multi-functionality allows the same object to serve different purposes without requiring additional space or furniture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate table is provided in addition to seating furniture, then the table function is available, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the table function with the seating furniture by integrating the tabletop as part of the bench structure. The tabletop is formed by the backrest when it is in the horizontal position, merging two separate functions (seating and table) into a single piece of furniture, thereby eliminating the need for additional space and reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used as seating furniture with the backrest in the vertical position, and as a table when the backrest is in the horizontal position. This multi-functionality allows the same object to serve different purposes without requiring additional space or furniture.
3Area of moving object
If the backrest is extended to increase table surface area, then larger table surface is available, but the backrest structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into two functional parts: the upper part that forms the tabletop surface when horizontal, and the lower part that provides structural support when vertical. This segmentation allows the backrest to fulfill both seating and table functions without requiring excessive extension, balancing table surface area with structural simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an item of seating furniture in the form of a bench (10) with a backrest (11) and a seating surface (12), and comprising 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), said seating surface (12) being divided perpendicularly to the plane of the backrest (11) and each of the seating surface parts (25) formed in this manner having at least one inner-lying support leg (16) in addition to its front support leg (14). The two seating surface parts (25) can be pivoted outwards about their respective rear support legs (13) and into a seating position which is arranged laterally with regard to the backrest (11). Said backrest (11), which is pivotally mounted on a main frame, can be pivoted out of its backrest position between the outwardly-pivoted seating surface parts (25) and into a horizontal table position that is at a vertical distance from the seating surface of the seating surface parts (25), and can be fixed in this table position using a support (21) which is mounted on the main frame (18).