Foldable Chair Spring Nesting for Compact Telescopic Seating Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescopic seating systems and foldable chairs require improved designs that provide comfortable seating while compactly stowing away, and they need integrated power and data connectors with minimized flex points and exposure to users.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a structural frame with a spring structure and a membrane that limits movement, along with a cushion to support occupants, and centrally located power and data connectors between chairs to reduce flex points and exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the chair is designed to stow away into a compact space, then the stowage volume is reduced, but the seating comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring structure is nested within the space between the top and bottom surfaces of the chair frame, with the cushion and membrane containing the spring structure. This nesting arrangement allows the support mechanism to be compact enough for small stowage volume while maintaining full functionality for occupant comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring structure extends in the vertical dimension between the top and bottom surfaces of the frame, rather than requiring horizontal space. This dimensional reorganization allows the support mechanism to achieve adequate support travel and comfort while maintaining a compact footprint for stowage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power and data connectors are integrated into the chair, then connectivity is improved, but the exposure to occupants and flex points in wires increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power and data connectors are extracted from the individual chair units and relocated to the telescopic structure itself. This separation removes the connectors from direct exposure to occupants while maintaining connectivity functionality through the integrated wiring system in the telescopic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic structure serves as an intermediary carrier for the power and data connectors. The connectors are mounted on the telescopic structure rather than directly on the chairs, acting as a mediator that provides connectivity while protecting occupants from direct exposure to electrical components.
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
This configuration ensures comfortable seating, compact stowage, and safe access to power and data connections with reduced exposure and flex points, enhancing user experience and system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an occupant support having a spring structure attached to the structural frame that extends into a space that is defined as being below the first surface and being above the second surface
Implementation Method 2
a membrane, attached to the second surface of the structural frame, that limits movement of the spring structure
Data Source
AI summary
The telescopic seating systems, and foldable chairs and related components for use within telescopic seating systems, of the present disclosure may incorporate occupant support elements within a space between a top surface of a seat frame structure and a bottom surface of the seat frame structure. Springs may be attached to the top surface of the chair frame structure and configured to extend into the space. Alternatively, or additionally, a chair cushion may extend into the space.