Modular seat assembly and method of assembly thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular seat assemblies are difficult to assemble, expensive to manufacture, and challenging to repair due to integrated male and female hardware that requires specialized tooling and is often inaccessible for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat assembly design featuring male stud connectors and female connectors with a downwardly angled channel and horizontal portion for easy alignment and connection, along with latch systems and leg modules for secure assembly, allowing for easier assembly, adjustment, and replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If integrated male and female hardware are used inside each module, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the male and female hardware connectors from the interior of the modules and relocates them to the exterior surfaces. The male connector protrudes from one module's exterior while the female connector is positioned on the adjacent module's exterior, allowing users to easily access and assemble the connectors without disassembling module components.
2Strength
If integrated male and female hardware are used inside each module, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the hardware from the module interior, the patent eliminates the need for specialized tooling to embed connectors during module manufacturing. The external connectors can be attached using standard manufacturing processes, significantly reducing tooling costs and simplifying the production workflow.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hardware is integrated inside modules, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates all male and female connectors to exterior surfaces of modules, making them fully accessible for inspection and replacement. Users can easily reach and replace defective connectors without disassembling module components, significantly simplifying the repair process while maintaining structural integrity through proper external mounting.
4Reliability
If precise alignment features are used for connectors, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a downwardly angled channel (20-70 degrees from vertical) leading into a horizontal portion within the female connector. This curved path guides the male connector into proper alignment during the assembly process, ensuring reliable connection while allowing users to assemble the modules without requiring precise manual alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular seat assembly having a female connector that is positioned and configured to releasably connect to a corresponding male stud connector on an adjacent seat module. Each female connector includes a plate comprising a raised portion defining an upper opening leading to a downwardly angled channel extending at about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees from a vertical axis into a horizontal portion, such that each male stud connector is slidably and releasably connectable to each corresponding female connector, and such that the channel and the horizontal portion have a width that is narrower than a head of the male stud connector, but wider than a neck of the male stud connector; and wherein said male stud connector is configured to be guided downward by said channel and then loosely contained within said horizontal portion.