System and method for adaptive modular seating configurations with efficient storage and transport mechanics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional theater seating systems are cumbersome to handle, transport, and store due to their fixed or semi-fixed designs, leading to inefficiencies in logistics, space utilization, and aesthetic consistency.

Innovation Solution

The adaptive modular seating system incorporates modular portions with interlocking frames, adjustable seating heights, latching mechanisms, and casters, allowing for efficient assembly, disassembly, and transport while optimizing storage space and maintaining consistent aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional fixed or semi-fixed seating structures are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of transport and storage is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of transport and storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seating system is divided into multiple modular portions that can be independently handled, transported, and stored. Each modular portion includes a frame with seats, steps, and latching mechanisms, allowing the overall system to be segmented into manageable units that maintain structural stability when assembled but are easy to transport and store when separated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seating system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic modular system. The modular portions can be easily assembled and disassembled through latching mechanisms, and can be moved between configured and stored states. The system adapts its configuration based on operational needs, providing both stability when assembled and ease of transport when disassembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If traditional individual chairs or benches are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but aesthetic consistency and alignment are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidaesthetic consistency and alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments seating into modular portions that each contain multiple seats arranged in a unified design. This allows easy assembly of individual modules while ensuring aesthetic consistency across the entire seating system, as each module is pre-configured with consistent design elements including seats, steps, and framing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

All modular portions are designed with uniform frames, seats, and components that ensure homogeneous appearance when assembled together. The standardized design elements across all modules guarantee aesthetic consistency and proper alignment, eliminating the gaps and misalignment issues associated with traditional individual chairs or benches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Quantity of substance

If conventional theater seating systems are transported in bulk, then quantity of seats delivered is improved, but transportation efficiency and labor requirements are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of seats deliveredVSAvoidtransportation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The seating system is segmented into modular portions that can be efficiently stacked and transported in bulk. Each module is self-contained with integrated components, allowing maximum quantity of seats to be delivered in compact configurations while minimizing transportation space requirements and labor needs compared to traditional individual chair transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If traditional seating systems are stored, then capacity to store large numbers of seats is improved, but storage space requirements and retrieval efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity to store seatsVSAvoidstorage space requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The modular portions are designed to nest within each other when stored, with smaller modules fitting into spaces between larger modules. This nesting arrangement maximizes the capacity to store large numbers of seats while minimizing the storage space requirements, as the modular design allows for compact, space-efficient storage configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250122738A1System and method for adaptive modular seating configurations with efficient storage and transport mechanics

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 PHILLIPS BRIAN OLIVER

AI summary

The invention pertains to an adaptive seating system optimized for efficient storage and transport. Comprising a series of interlocking modular portions, each unit includes a horizontal platform and multiple perpendicular seating posts. Removable seating structures attach to these posts, ensuring flexibility in configuration. Between consecutive seating posts, steps of varying heights create a successive rise in elevation, facilitating a stadium seating effect. To enhance portability, specific modular units incorporate casters, with select ones designed to tilt back 90 degrees for easy maneuverability. This system offers versatile seating arrangements adaptable to different audience sizes and venue constraints. When storage or reconfiguration is required, the modular design ensures ease of assembly, disassembly, and compact storage, catering especially to venues with limited space.