Motorized Seat Row Movement With PLC Control and Floor Guide Covering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for transforming premises between obstacle-free and seated configurations are laborious, expensive, and lack efficient automation for seat row movement and guide coverage.

Innovation Solution

A motor-driven movement system using grooved profiles and roller carriages with PLC control, enabling individual or collective movement of seat rows, and automatic plate covering to maintain floor continuity, with optional wireless data transmission for cost reduction and enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional foldable chairs are used for transforming premises, then the premises can be adapted between obstacle-free and seated configurations, but the transformation process becomes very laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of premisesVSAvoidtransformation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static chairs into mobile, motor-driven seat rows that can automatically move between storage and operational positions. The seat rows are mounted on carriages with wheels that roll along guides, enabling dynamic reconfiguration without manual labor. The motorized propulsion system allows the seats to be automatically deployed or retracted based on operational requirements, dramatically reducing transformation time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through autonomous seat rows that can independently move themselves along the guides using integrated motor-propulsion systems. Each seat row is equipped with its own drive mechanism, allowing it to autonomously navigate to storage areas or deployment positions without requiring manual handling or external assistance, thereby eliminating the laborious transformation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional foldable chairs are used, then the premises can be transformed, but the chairs are not very comfortable and require manual placement and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformability of premisesVSAvoidease of seat handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static, manually-handled chairs into dynamic, motorized seat rows that automatically navigate along guides. The seat rows are mounted on wheeled carriages that can be propelled along the guide system, enabling easy repositioning without manual lifting or carrying. This dynamic system maintains the adaptability of the premises while dramatically improving ease of operation through automated movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seat rows are equipped with self-propulsion capabilities through integrated motor systems, allowing them to autonomously move to storage or operational positions without requiring manual placement. The self-service mechanism includes automatic navigation along the guides and positioning at designated locations, eliminating the need for human intervention in seat handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If mobile seat assemblies with sliding guides are used, then the seats can be moved between stored and deployed positions, but the automation of movement and guide covering becomes complicated and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of seat movementVSAvoidcomplexity of movement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic automation system where seat rows are mounted on carriages with wheels that roll along guides, replacing complex sliding mechanisms. The motor-propulsion systems provide automated movement control, and the carriages include integrated guide covering mechanisms that automatically deploy panels to cover the guides when seats are in storage position. This dynamic approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining full automation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carriages are equipped with self-service mechanisms that automatically cover the guides with panels when the seat rows are in storage position. The guide covering system is integrated into the carriage structure and operates autonomously as the carriage moves into position, eliminating the need for separate, complex automation systems for guide coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If motor-driven movement systems with PLC control are implemented, then precise control and synchronization of seat movements is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of seat position controlVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control through encoders that monitor the position of each carriage along the guides. The encoder signals are fed back to the PLC control system, which uses this information to precisely control the motor-propulsion systems and maintain accurate positioning. The feedback mechanism enables synchronized movement of multiple seat rows while providing real-time position data for control adjustments, achieving high precision without excessive system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system simplifies and automates the deployment and storage of seat rows, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs by allowing precise control and synchronization of seat movements while maintaining a smooth and continuous floor surface.

Implementation Method 1

bases for supporting the seats forming each row are incorporated in a rolling assembly by means of corresponding carriages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7990086B2Seat-assembly movement system
Publication Date: 2011.08.02 FIGUERAS SEATING SOLUTIONS SL
  • US7990086B2 patent drawing
  • US7990086B2 patent drawing
  • US7990086B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Seat-assembly movement system, for collecting up and deploying rows of seats (1) at the installation site, by means of sliding on guides (2) arranged in the floor, the movement of the rows of seats (1) being managed by means of a control system comprising a master PLC or a computer unit, for governing the installation, in combination with respective slave PLCs arranged on the carriages (3) carrying the rows of seats and in connection with devices for controlling the position of said carriages (3) on the mounting guides (2).