Convertible golf cart assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf cart seat assemblies face issues with water intrusion leading to rotting, corrosion, warping, and cargo instability, particularly when converting to a cargo bed, as they lack effective moisture resistance and edge containment for cargo.
Innovation Solution
A convertible golf cart seat assembly featuring a main seat frame with L-shaped metal rails, a plastic stationary cargo board, and a molded plastic flip board with integral rails, which forms a sturdy and moisture-resistant cargo bed when flipped, preventing cargo from slipping off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a poly backer board is used to prevent wood rot, then resistance to water damage is improved, but the cargo bed becomes uneven due to warping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite construction combining a rigid metal frame (aluminum or steel) with a poly backer board. The metal frame provides structural support and prevents warping, while the poly backer board provides water resistance. This composite approach allows both materials to contribute their strengths without suffering their weaknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the seat assembly. The metal frame is used specifically where structural integrity and dimensional stability are needed (to prevent warping), while the poly backer board is used where water resistance is the primary concern. This localized material selection optimizes performance for each specific function.
2Strength
If wood screws are used to attach the cushion assembly to the flip board, then attachment strength is improved, but water intrusion causes the wood to rot over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wood construction with a composite of metal (aluminum or steel) and poly materials. This substitution eliminates the rotting issue inherent in wood while maintaining structural strength through the properties of the metal and poly components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses poly backer board and poly components that are inherently resistant to water and rot. These materials have extended service life in wet environments compared to wood, eliminating the need for frequent replacement due to rotting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a piano hinge is used to attach the poly backer board to the golf cart frame, then seat convertibility is improved, but the cargo bed has no rail around the edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the backer board and cargo bed floor into a single integrated poly component with raised edges. This merging of functions allows the same component to provide both the structural base for the seat and the cargo-containing surface, eliminating the need for separate rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The poly backer board serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural support for the seat cushion, provides the floor of the cargo bed when converted, and creates cargo retention through its integrated raised edges. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible golf cart seat assembly is disclosed. The convertible golf cart seat assembly includes a main seat frame attached to the existing golf cart structure, a plastic stationary cargo board supported by the main seat frame, a plastic flip board rotatably hinged to the main seat frame, and a seat with a plastic backer board attached to the flip board. The hinge between the flip board and the main seat frame includes flip board flanges on the flip board and cargo board flanges on the stationary cargo board that abut each other and provide strength to the cargo bed created by the stationary cargo board and the flip board.