Fold away bench system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding chairs for motor vehicles occupy substantial storage space and are often removed, making them unavailable when needed at scenic or event locations.
Innovation Solution
A compact, tubular framework seating apparatus that deploys from a vehicle, featuring hinged rectangular frames and flexible material seating, allowing for easy installation and deployment behind the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple folding chairs are carried in the motor vehicle, then seating availability is improved, but storage space consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate folding chairs are merged into a single integrated bench structure. The bench comprises a first rectangular frame with first and second seating surfaces, and a second rectangular frame with third and fourth seating surfaces, all connected to form one unified seating apparatus that accommodates multiple individuals simultaneously while occupying minimal storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The bench structure employs nested folding mechanisms where the second rectangular frame can be folded into a substantially coplanar relationship with the first rectangular frame. The seating surfaces are configured to fold nested within each other, allowing the entire bench to collapse into a compact configuration that fits within the cargo area of the motor vehicle.
2Volume of moving object
If folding chairs are removed from storage space, then cargo capacity is improved, but seating availability deteriorates when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The bench is designed with dynamic folding capabilities allowing it to transition between a compact stored position within the cargo area and an expanded deployed position providing seating. The rectangular frames are hinged to enable folding and unfolding, and the seating surfaces can be raised or lowered to convert the bench between storage mode and seating mode, ensuring both cargo capacity and seating availability are maintained at different times.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact seating apparatus is designed, then storage space usage is minimized, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bench is segmented into modular rectangular frame sections that can be independently folded and unfolded. The first rectangular frame contains first and second seating surfaces, while the second rectangular frame contains third and fourth seating surfaces. Each frame section is hinged to allow independent manipulation, simplifying the deployment process compared to a monolithic compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular frames serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define the boundaries of seating surfaces, enable folding for compact storage, and facilitate deployment through hinged connections. The seating surfaces themselves can function as both seats and backrests depending on their orientation, reducing the need for separate structural elements and simplifying the overall deployment mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for cooperation with an associated motor vehicle having a cargo carrying compartment which includes a first rectangular frame having first and second extremities and having a first length dimension intermediate said first and second extremities. The first and second leg support structures respectively support the first rectangular frame at the first and second extremities of the first rectangular frame. Second and third rectangular frames are respectively hinged to the first and second extremities whereby the length of the collective assembly is increased. The sum of the respective lengths of said second and third rectangular frames no more than the first length dimension whereby each of the second and third rectangular frames can be folded into a substantially mutually coplanar relationship substantially parallel to the first rectangular frame.