Modular Marine Deck Seating With Flush Stowable Legroom Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels lack modular and efficient deck and seating configurations that can adapt to provide both seating and expanded deck space, with existing solutions often being cumbersome or difficult to install and remove.
Innovation Solution
A modular seating system featuring a recessed cavity on the deck with a pivotable seating member, engagement member, and hinge, along with a retainer mechanism that allows the seating module to be easily attached and detached, enabling it to transition between a closed position covering the cavity and an open position providing seating and legroom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed seating configuration is used, then seating capacity is ensured, but deck space flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seating system is divided into modular seat modules that can be independently installed, removed, and reconfigured. Each seat module consists of discrete components (seating member, engagement member, hinge assembly) that can be segmented and reassembled in different configurations to adapt to varying deck space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat modules incorporate movable hinges that allow the seating members to transition between multiple positions (seated position, stowed position, angled position). This dynamic capability enables the seating system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing both seating capacity and deck space flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If permanent seating structures are installed, then structural stability is improved, but ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are pre-configured with hinge assemblies and connection interfaces that align with corresponding receptacles on the deck. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid installation and removal without complex assembly procedures, while the pre-engineered connection geometry ensures proper structural alignment and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the seating member and the deck structure. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies installation and removal operations while maintaining structural integrity through its robust connection design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular seat modules with hinges are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat modules are designed as universal units that can perform multiple functions: providing seating, stowing to expand deck space, and positioning at various angles. The standardized engagement members and hinge assemblies serve multiple purposes (structural support, rotation mechanism, connection interface), reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system despite its adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel has a deck surface having a recessed cavity; a seat module having a seating member, an engagement member, and a hinge that couples the seating member to the engagement member; and a retainer configured to retain the engagement member with respect to the recessed cavity. The seating member is pivotable about the hinge into and between a closed position in which the seating member lies flush with the deck surface and covers the recessed cavity and an open position in which the seating member provides seating for user and the recessed cavity is exposed and provides leg room for the user.