Folding Chair Bracket Assembly to Reduce Manufacturing Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding chairs are often not sturdy, durable, difficult to assemble, and may create pinch points, while also being time-consuming to manufacture due to complex assembly processes and numerous parts.
Innovation Solution
A chair design featuring a frame with pivotally connected legs, partially constructed from plastic or metal, allowing for easy assembly and attachment of the seat and backrest using brackets and snap-fit mechanisms, eliminating the need for fasteners and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional folding chairs use multiple discrete parts and complex assembly processes, then the chair can be made lightweight and portable, but the manufacturing time increases and the chair becomes difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete parts into integrated components. The seat assembly merges the seat, backrest, and support structures into a unified plastic-molded component. The leg assembly integrates front and rear legs with pivot mechanisms pre-attached, reducing the number of separate parts that need assembly while maintaining lightweight properties
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional folding chairs use numerous discrete parts, then the chair can be made portable and foldable, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chair into two main segmented assemblies: a seat assembly and a leg assembly. This segmentation allows each to be manufactured independently with optimized processes (plastic molding for seat, metal forming for legs) and then quickly combined through the bracket connection, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while preserving folding functionality
3Reliability
If conventional folding chairs use traditional connection methods, then the chair can be made durable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, rivets) with a snap-fit bracket mechanism. The bracket uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking to create a secure connection between the seat assembly and leg assembly, achieving durable attachment without requiring time-consuming fastener installation
Data Source
AI summary
A folding chair may include a seat, a backrest, and a frame with one or more legs. The folding chair may also include brackets and the brackets may attach the seat and the frame. An upper crossmember may be movable relative to the seat as the chair is folded and unfolded. A first guide member may be attached to a first end of the crossmember, and a second guide member may be attached to a second end of the crossmember. The first guide member may be disposed within a first guide and the first guide may be formed by a portion of a first bracket and a first downwardly extending portion of the seat. The second guide member may be disposed within a second guide and the second guide may be formed by a portion of a second bracket and a second downwardly extending portion of the seat.