Seating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating systems in venues like stadiums and arenas face challenges in accurately positioning armrests, accommodating varying seat widths, and efficiently installing data and power cabling, which are complex, vulnerable to tampering, and obstructive to maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A seating system with adjustable armrest assemblies and support beams that allow for flexible spacing and angular adjustments, combined with a secure and flexible cabling system for power and data transmission through modular connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If armrest standards are fixed to the floor with high positioning accuracy, then armrest positions are precise, but installation becomes difficult due to reinforcement bars in concrete and cleaning becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the seating structure into modular components: support beams attached to risers, and separate seat assemblies with armrests that attach to the beams. This segmentation allows the support beams to be positioned accurately on risers (avoiding concrete reinforcement issues) while seat assemblies can be easily installed and removed from the beams, facilitating both precise positioning and easy cleaning access.
Solution Approach 2:
Support beams act as intermediary elements between the risers and the seat assemblies with armrests. The beams are securely attached to risers at predetermined positions, serving as mounting platforms for the seat assemblies. This intermediary structure eliminates the need to drill into concrete for armrest positioning while maintaining precise armrest placement through the beam-to-riser connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If seat modules are independently spaced on a beam, then installation flexibility increases, but armrest spacing becomes inconsistent requiring spacing shims or multiple armrest attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The armrests are merged with the seat assemblies as integrated components rather than separate elements. Each seat assembly includes armrests as part of its structure, and when these assemblies are attached to the support beam, the armrests automatically achieve consistent spacing. This merging eliminates the need for separate armrest mounting operations and spacing shims, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flexible conduits are used for cabling, then cable routing is flexible, but the system becomes vulnerable to tampering and obstructive to maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flexible conduit channels integrated into the support beam structure that guide and protect cables. These channels provide a secure enclosed path for cables along the beam, protecting them from tampering while maintaining flexibility for routing. The channels are designed to accommodate cable installation and maintenance access without exposing cables to external damage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If customised cranked armrest stanchions are used to accommodate ventilation apertures, then armrests can be mounted on risers, but the system loses standardization and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support beams are designed as universal mounting structures that can be attached to risers with various configurations including ventilation apertures. The beams provide standardized mounting points for seat assemblies regardless of the riser configuration below. This universal beam design allows the same beam component to accommodate different riser types without requiring custom cranked stanchions, maintaining standardization while providing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating system designed for venues such as stadiums and arenas includes a support beam and a plurality of side armrest assemblies securely attached to the support beam. Each assembly supports a seat and backrest structure positioned between adjacent side armrest assemblies. Notably, at least one side armrest assembly and the seat and/or backrest are engineered to allow for a range of free play adjustment along a longitudinal axis parallel to the support beam.