Elevated bench seating support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bench seating for spectators at sports events, such as baseball and softball, often has a narrow upper surface that is uncomfortable and poses a hazard due to the risk of falling, especially when trying to view the entire field.

Innovation Solution

An elevated bench seating support system comprising a top panel, a first brace, and a second brace that securely attaches to a bench back, allowing users to sit at an elevated height with improved visibility and comfort, featuring a wide top panel and adjustable bracing for stability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If players sit on the bench back to enhance visibility, then the ability to see the field is improved, but the seating surface is narrow and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of the fieldVSAvoidseating surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the seating surface horizontally beyond the bench back boundaries, creating an elevated platform that spans across multiple braces. This dimensional extension provides additional seating area while maintaining the elevated position for improved field visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If players sit on the narrow bench back, then visibility is improved, but safety is compromised due to risk of falling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of the fieldVSAvoidrisk of falling

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates safety features including side rails and a wide, stable platform that prevent players from leaning too far backward. The extended seating surface with lateral boundaries provides inherent safety margins, cushioning against the harmful effect of falling before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If an elevated seating support is provided, then visibility and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating comfortVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elevated seating support is divided into modular components including multiple braces, a top panel, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing, assembly, and potential adjustment while achieving the overall function of providing elevated comfortable seating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11712117B1Elevated bench seating support

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 GEEHAN TIMOTHY

AI summary

An elevated bench seating support including a top panel, a first brace and a second brace. The first brace is operably attached to the top panel. The second brace is operably attached to the first brace to retain a bench back between the first brace and the second brace when the elevated bench seating support is used in conjunction with a bench.