Deployable Chair with Pivotable Links for Compact Rollable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable chairs either have a significant spatial footprint in the collapsed configuration due to rigid structures or lack rigidity for supporting a seated subject's back when using flexible materials.
Innovation Solution
A deployable seating apparatus with pivotable links and pivot limiting elements that allow transition between undeployed and deployed orientations, maintaining rigidity and stability through angular stops and tension elements to prevent free unrolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid struts are used to transition between collapsed and expanded orientations, then structural stability is improved, but spatial footprint in collapsed configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chair structure is divided into multiple rigid links (seat portion, backrest portion, leg portions) that are pivotably connected in sequence. Each link maintains rigidity while the segmented configuration allows the entire structure to collapse into a compact rolled-up form, reducing spatial footprint from a large expanded volume to a small cylindrical bundle.
Solution Approach 2:
The links are configured to roll up and nest within each other in the collapsed configuration, with each link containing or being contained by adjacent links. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied when the chair is collapsed, while still maintaining the rigidity of individual link structures when deployed.
2Volume of moving object
If flexible material sheets are used for seating surfaces, then transportability is improved, but rigidity for supporting seated subject deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rigid links that can be rolled or folded into compact configurations, combining the transportability advantage of flexible materials with the structural integrity of rigid components. The rigid links maintain their shape and strength when deployed to support a seated subject, while their ability to roll up provides excellent transportability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pivot limiting elements are added to constrain unrolling, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot limiting elements are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the chair's configuration. When the chair is expanded, the pivot limiters naturally constrain further unrolling; when collapsed, they automatically release. This self-regulating mechanism provides structural stability without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot limiting elements act as intermediary components between the rigid links, providing a simple mechanical constraint that prevents over-unrolling. These intermediate elements add minimal complexity while effectively stabilizing the structure by limiting the range of motion at each pivot connection.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide deployable seating systems. In the context of a chair, the chair includes a plurality of links pivotably connected to one another in a sequence, wherein each link comprises a central portion extending between opposing ends of the link, wherein the plurality of links are configured to at least partially unroll in a first direction to transition the apparatus from an undeployed orientation to a deployed orientation; and the pivotable connection between respective links embodying at least one pivot limiting element configured to limit the unrolling of the apparatus in the first direction