Athletic Locker Roll-Up Door and Reclining Seat Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern athletic and sporting facility lockers lack integration of advanced features that enhance comfort and luxury, such as reclining seats and efficient ventilation systems, while also requiring improved aesthetic and functional designs to meet the prestige standards of organizations.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a locker with a roll-up door, a reclining seat, and a ventilation system that includes a plenum connected to the HVAC system, providing controlled airflow and storage solutions like self-closing shoe compartments, along with customizable features like electronic control panels and display panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a reclining seat is integrated into the locker, then comfort and luxury are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is merged with the locker structure, integrating the seating function directly into the locker body. The seat includes a seat pan, seat back, and footrest that are structurally integrated with the locker frame, eliminating the need for separate standalone seating units and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comfort functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seat structure serves multiple functions: it provides seating comfort, incorporates storage compartments beneath the seat pan, includes adjustable footrest functionality, and integrates with the locker's overall structural support system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If a roll-up door is used instead of traditional doors, then aesthetic and functional design is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedesignVSAvoidprecision
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The door system transitions from static traditional doors to a dynamic roll-up door that can move between closed and fully retracted positions. The door includes a roller mechanism with multiple wheels that allow smooth vertical movement along tracks, enabling flexible opening and closing operations while maintaining clean aesthetic lines when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The door is segmented into multiple horizontal panels that can roll up independently along the door tracks. This segmentation allows the door to compact into a smaller space when open and maintains structural integrity while enabling the modern aesthetic design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If ventilation system with plenum is integrated, then comfort and luxury are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation system is merged with the locker structure through integration of the plenum chamber with the locker frame. The plenum is positioned to utilize the existing locker interior space, and ventilation grilles are integrated into the door and panel designs, eliminating the need for separate external ventilation units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plenum chamber serves multiple functions: it distributes conditioned air throughout the locker interior, provides structural support as part of the locker frame, and integrates with the seating and storage compartments. The ventilation system works in conjunction with the locker's overall environmental control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If self-closing shoe compartment is added, then functional design is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe compartment door includes an automatic self-closing mechanism that uses spring-loaded hinges or dampers to return the door to the closed position after opening. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual closing operation while maintaining simple mechanical implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shoe compartment is nested within the locker structure, with the compartment door integrated into the main door assembly or side panels. The compartment provides dedicated shoe storage while utilizing the existing locker framework and door mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11382423B2Locker with reclining seat and roll-up door
Publication Date: 2022.07.12 AIM DESIGN LLC
  • US11382423B2 patent drawing
  • US11382423B2 patent drawing
  • US11382423B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A locker has a reclining seat and a roll-up door. The reclining seat has a bench, a seatback, a footrest, and a headrest. The roll-up door retracts into the interior of the locker.