Modular Armrest Assembly with Adjustable Mounting for Portable Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seating devices, such as those used for ice fishing, often lack armrests, leading to discomfort and difficulty when attempting to stand from a seated position due to the absence of arm support.
Innovation Solution
A modular armrest system that can be mounted to a seat, featuring an elongated base plate with adjustable armrest assemblies, allowing lateral and vertical adjustments for enhanced comfort and convenience, and accommodating accessories like cupholders or bag holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If armrests are added to a seat, then comfort and support for the seated person is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest system is divided into separate modular components: a base plate that attaches to the seat bottom, mounting brackets, and armrest assemblies. This segmentation allows the armrests to be added as an optional accessory rather than integrating them into the seat structure, improving comfort while minimizing impact on overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate is designed with multiple apertures that can accommodate various mounting configurations and work with different seat types. The armrest assemblies can be selectively mounted and adjusted to provide universal applicability across different seating arrangements, reducing the need for custom designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable armrest assemblies are implemented, then adaptability and comfort are improved, but device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assemblies incorporate adjustment mechanisms that allow lateral and vertical positioning. This dynamic capability enables users to customize the armrest position to their needs, improving adaptability while the modular design keeps the adjustment mechanisms simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment capability is provided in multiple dimensions - lateral adjustment along the base plate and vertical adjustment of the armrest height. This multi-dimensional adjustability maximizes versatility without requiring complex mechanisms in any single dimension.
3Ease of manufacture
If an elongated base plate with multiple mounting points is used, then ease of installation and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated base plate incorporates multiple apertures that can serve dual purposes: some apertures are used for mounting the armrest assemblies, while others align with existing seat mounting holes. This universal mounting design simplifies installation by allowing the base plate to attach to various seat configurations without requiring additional materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate design merges the armrest mounting function with the seat attachment function. By positioning apertures to align with existing seat mounting holes, the base plate combines two mounting operations into a single installation process, reducing installation complexity without adding significant material.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular armrest system for mounting to a seat having a seat bottom with a lower surface and opposed first and second lateral sides. The system includes an elongated base plate that extends below the lower surface of the seat bottom and having at least one aperture that receives at least one fastener adapted to connect the elongated base plate to the seat bottom, and having opposed first and second ends proximate the respective opposed lateral sides. A first armrest assembly has a first mounting bracket having a horizontal portion connected to the first end of the elongated base plate and an upward extending portion connected to a generally horizontal arm support, and a second armrest assembly has a second mounting bracket having a horizontal portion connected to the second end of the elongated base plate and an upward extending portion connected to a generally horizontal arm support.