Laminated Flexible Step with Rigid Core to Prevent Seat Cushion Wear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Upholstered seat cushions in boats experience premature wear and tearing due to concentrated loads, especially when used as steps, leading to costly reupholstering needs and space reduction by removing seats to install steps, which is unpopular among boaters.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, portable step with laminated flexible layers and a stiff, rigid sheet that distributes weight evenly, reducing pressure on seams and preventing stretching and tearing, featuring a waterproof design and non-slip properties to ensure safety and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a boat seat cushion is used as a step to facilitate entering and exiting the boat, then ease of operation is improved, but the seat cushion experiences concentrated load that causes premature wear, stretching, and tearing of the upholstery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate step structure as an intermediary element between the user's foot and the seat cushion. This step acts as a mediator that bears the concentrated load of stepping, preventing the force from being directly applied to the upholstery. The step includes a rigid or semi-rigid platform with a non-slip surface, supported by a frame structure, which distributes the load away from the cushion's stitching and fabric areas that are vulnerable to tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the stepping function from the seat cushion itself by providing a dedicated step structure. Instead of the cushion serving dual purposes (seating and stepping), the stepping function is separated into a distinct component. This allows the seat cushion to maintain its original design for comfort and durability while the step handles the mechanical stresses of entry and exit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat cushion is designed with multiple panels, stitching, and embroidery for aesthetic and comfort purposes, then appearance and comfort are improved, but these areas become vulnerable to wear and tearing when subjected to concentrated loads
Solution Approach 1:
The step structure serves as a protective intermediary that prevents direct contact between the user's foot and the vulnerable stitched panels of the seat cushion. By placing the rigid platform over the cushion area, the step intercepts the concentrated loads before they can reach the stitching and fabric, preserving the integrity of these aesthetic and comfort features.
Solution Approach 2:
The step design incorporates different material properties in different areas: a rigid or semi-rigid platform for load-bearing, flexible edges that can conform to the cushion contours, and non-slip surface treatment for safety. This localized differentiation allows the step to protect the vulnerable areas of the cushion while maintaining overall functionality and aesthetics.
3Reliability
If boat manufacturers delete the center back seat and replace it with a permanent step to prevent seat damage, then seat durability is improved, but seating capacity and passenger comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The step is designed to be movable rather than permanently fixed, allowing it to be positioned, removed, or reconfigured as needed. This dynamic characteristic enables the step to provide protection where needed while allowing the underlying seat cushion to be used for seating when the step is moved or removed, thus maintaining seating capacity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The step structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a protective barrier against seat damage, offers a non-slip surface for safe entry and exit, and can be positioned to allow seating when not in use. The flexible edges and removable nature of the step allow it to adapt between protecting the seat and allowing seating, providing multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between durability and seating capacity.
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 portable step effectively distributes weight across a larger area, minimizing wear on seat cushions, preventing tears, and maintaining boat space by providing a safe and durable solution for accessing boats without compromising seating capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The portable step effectively distributes weight across a larger area, minimizing wear on seat cushions
Implementation Method 2
When there is a concentrated load on a small area of a seat cushion, the underlying foam inside the seat's upholstery compresses
Implementation Method 3
The first layer on a side thereof opposite the third layer can have a non-skid property
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight and portable seat step includes a series of laminated flexible layers with a void defined inside of a middle flexible layer to accommodate a thin but very stiff or rigid sheet of material as compared to the flexible layers. The stiff sheet is surrounded by the remainder of the flexible material of the layer that forms a flexible perimeter and the adjacent layers of material. Together, the flexible layers and stiff sheet function as a monolithic body.