Folding Chair with Elevated Latch Mechanism for Safe Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable chairs are often unstable, difficult to transition between configurations, have bulky and obtrusive locking mechanisms, and require multiple chairs for different environments and tasks, lacking ergonomic design and customization options.
Innovation Solution
A foldable chair with a lightweight frame, ergonomic latch mechanism, and removable covers, featuring adjustable armrests, customizable accessories like cup holders, and a simple locking mechanism that allows easy transition between folded and unfolded positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional folding chairs use locking mechanisms close to the ground or pivots, then the chair can be compact when folded, but the locking mechanisms become difficult to actuate and dangerous to transition
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is repositioned from a horizontal orientation near the ground to a vertical orientation on the rear leg, elevating it away from pinch points and making it accessible and safe for user operation during the folding transition
2Ease of operation
If folding chairs have locking mechanisms positioned for easy access, then ease of operation improves, but the mechanisms become bulky and obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the traditional horizontal pivot area and repositioned to the vertical rear leg, separating it from the folding joint complexity and allowing for a more compact, streamlined design that is both accessible and aesthetically pleasing
3Adaptability or versatility
If chairs are designed for specialized outdoor tasks, then functionality improves, but the chairs become bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The chair incorporates multiple functional elements including cup holders, bottle holders, and accessory attachment points integrated into the armrests and frame, allowing a single lightweight chair to serve multiple outdoor purposes such as dining, drinking, and carrying gear
4Ease of manufacture
If chairs are made with fixed seat materials, then manufacturing simplicity improves, but the entire chair must be replaced if the seat gets damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is segmented into a removable cover portion and a fixed frame portion, allowing the cover to be detached and replaced independently when stained or damaged, while the main chair structure remains intact and reusable
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable chair with a seat back and a seat bottom that is movable between a folded configuration where the seat bottom and seat back are adjacent each other and an unfolded configuration where the seat bottom extends generally perpendicular to the seat back. The foldable chair includes a cover that is removably couplable to the seat bottom and/or seat back. The foldable chair may also include arm rests with slots and openings or holes that can couple to accessories such as a cup holder. The chair can have a spring actuated lock mechanism that can lock the chair in an open or close configuration and a manually actuatable latch mechanism to release the lock mechanism to allow the chair to be opened for use or closed for transport or storage.