Molded Stool Seat Structure for Comfort and Fluid Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional round stool seats are uncomfortable for extended use, prone to fluid pooling, and difficult to clean, lacking a design that prevents fluid accumulation and provides adequate support.
Innovation Solution
A molded stool seat with a substantially rectangular upper surface, featuring opposed raised end portions, radial ribs, and a concave center to prevent fluid pooling, mounted on a vertical tubular frame with a non-circular cross-section to prevent rotation, made from lightweight molded plastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a round seat with a concave upper surface is used, then comfort for short-term use is improved, but fluid pooling occurs and comfort for extended use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a symmetric round seat to an asymmetric rectangular seat with a specific contour shape. The upper surface features a raised front portion, a lowered rear portion, and lateral portions connecting them, creating an asymmetric geometry that prevents fluid pooling while maintaining comfort. This asymmetric design allows fluids to drain toward the edges rather than pooling in the center.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension to the seat design by creating a contour that varies along the front-to-back axis. The raised front portion and lowered rear portion create a longitudinal slope that directs fluid flow, adding a dimensional aspect to fluid management that was absent in traditional round seats.
2Ease of operation
If a round seat with a concave upper surface is used, then comfort for short-term use is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates due to fluid pooling
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric rectangular design with its longitudinal slope and lateral portions creates surfaces that facilitate fluid drainage and evaporation. The lowered rear portion and raised front portion create a gradient that prevents fluid accumulation, making the seat easier to clean and maintain compared to traditional round concave seats.
3Ease of operation
If a rectangular seat with a longitudinal contour is used, then comfort and fluid drainage are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated seat structure. The longitudinal contour, lateral portions, and mounting features are all incorporated into one molded piece, eliminating the need for separate components. This integration achieves complex functionality while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through single-piece molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameters of the molding process to achieve the complex contour shape. By varying the thickness, curvature, and elevation parameters during the molding process, the complex rectangular design with longitudinal profile is created in a single manufacturing operation, avoiding increased device complexity.
4Reliability
If a non-circular frame member is used, then rotation prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric non-circular cross-section for the frame member, such as an oval or rectangular shape, to prevent rotation. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent anti-rotation capability while remaining compatible with standard extrusion and molding processes, balancing reliability with manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A table and seating system includes a folding table. A folding framework supports the table section and has vertical frame elements supporting stool type seats. The stool type seats each have a monolithic seat element. The seat element has a substantially rectangular periphery including opposed end portions and opposed side portions with rounded corner portions abutting the end portions and the side portions. The upper surface of the seat has a concave upper surface with a center portion lower than the end portions, but does not form a depression capable of pooling liquids. A center receiving portion projects from an underside of the seat portion with the vertical frame element inserting into the center receiving portion. Radial ribs on an underside of the seat extend from the center receiving portion to a periphery of the seat portion and intersect a circular rib and a rectangular rib.