Foldable Bench Latch Mechanism for Stable Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable furniture lacks a stable and efficient mechanism for transitioning between folded and unfolded positions, often resulting in instability and difficulty in storage and deployment.
Innovation Solution
A foldable chair design featuring rotatably mounted front support members and a seat that can rotate between folded and unfolded positions, with a latch mechanism to secure the seat in place, and seat supports that engage with the backrest to maintain stability in both configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is made rotatable between folded and unfolded positions for easy storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but stability and reliability deteriorate due to potential inadvertent rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific parts of the seat (latch receivers, engagement surfaces) have specialized properties for locking, while other parts maintain general seating functions. The latch mechanism is localized to specific regions of the seat frame, providing stability only where needed during rotation between folded and unfolded positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action through the latch mechanism that must be deliberately engaged before the seat can be rotated to the unfolded position. The latch receivers are pre-positioned on the seat frame, and the latch must be actively moved to engage with these receivers, ensuring the seat is securely locked before use and preventing inadvertent rotation.
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the seat in place, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct components: latch receivers positioned on the seat frame and a movable latch element. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while working together to provide reliable locking, reducing overall complexity compared to a monolithic locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the rotational movement of the latch element that automatically engages with or disengages from the latch receivers. The mechanism uses the natural rotation of the seat to drive the latch engagement, reducing the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design allows for easy deployment and stowage of the chair while ensuring stability and safety by preventing the seat from rotating inadvertently, enhancing user convenience and furniture storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
front support members rotatably mounted to the backrest configured to rotate between a folded position where the first front support member is disposed adjacent to the backrest and an unfolded position where the first front support member extends outwardly from the backrest
Implementation Method 2
A latch including a latch extension is mounted to a front support member. A latch receiver is located in a side surface of the seat and is configured to receive the latch extension when the seat is in the unfolded position to prevent the seat from rotating with respect to the backrest
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable bench having a seat and front support members that may be rotated between a folded position and an unfolded position includes a backrest, first and second front support members, a seat, and a latch. The front support members are mounted to the font of the backrest and rotate laterally between a folded and unfolded position. The seat is mounted to the front of the backrest and rotates vertically between a folded and unfolded position. In the folded position, the seat is sandwiched between the backrest and the front support members. In the unfolded position, the seat prevents the front support members from rotating inwards to the folded position. The seat is supported in an unfolded position by seat supports located on each of the front support members, which are received by receivers in the seat. A latch located on one of the arms selectively engages an opening in the seat to secure the seat in the unfolded position.