Folding Chair Monolithic Frame Design to Reduce Assembly Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding chairs have complexity in manufacturing and assembly due to numerous components, often use materials that deteriorate when exposed to atmospheric agents, and tend to slide when stacked, leading to instability during transport.
Innovation Solution
A folding chair designed with a reduced number of components, made entirely of plastic-based material, specifically polypropylene with glass reinforcement fibers, and featuring a hinging system with wedge-shaped locking elements for stability and ease of assembly, along with V-shaped stacking elements for secure stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional metallic components and multiple parts are used for hinges and connections, then the chair achieves functional requirements for folding and stability, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (metallic hinges, pivots, screws, and connection elements) into a single integrated plastic component. The folding chair frame uses a monolithic plastic structure that combines the functions of traditional metallic connection elements, thereby reducing the total number of parts and simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining the required folding functionality and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic-based material and integrated structure serve multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, hinge mechanism, connection element, and corrosion resistance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate metallic components for each function, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps.
2Reliability
If metallic materials such as pivots and screws are used for connections, then the chair achieves structural integrity, but these materials deteriorate and generate rust when exposed to atmospheric agents over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plastic-based composite materials that replace traditional metallic components. These plastic materials inherently resist corrosion and deterioration from atmospheric agents (moisture, oxygen, temperature variations) that cause rust in metals. The composite structure maintains structural integrity while providing superior long-term durability in outdoor environments.
3Ease of manufacture
If smooth surfaces are used for the interacting surfaces between stacked chairs, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the chairs slide on each other causing instability during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different regions of the chair structure. While most surfaces maintain smooth finishes for manufacturing efficiency, the specific interaction surfaces between stacked chairs are designed with enhanced friction characteristics through geometric features (interlocking shapes, ribs, or textured surfaces) that prevent sliding during transport without requiring complex additional processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding chair that includes a seat portion, a first frame, the first frame including a back and two first parallel legs, the two first legs being monolithic with the back, the first frame being hinged to the seat portion at the two first legs on two opposite sides of the perimetric edge of the seat portion, and a second frame, the second frame including two second parallel and mutually integral legs, the second frame being pivoted to the first frame at two crossing regions of one of the second legs with a respective one of the first legs.