Non-Cylindrical Seating Hinge for Adjustable Seat Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating hinge mechanisms lack the ability to easily adjust and align seats with leg supports in both parallel and non-parallel orientations, fail to accommodate different seat widths, and do not allow for easy removal and replacement of seat bottoms, limiting their adaptability to various seating styles and outdoor durability.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism featuring a telescoping connection with a pin and bracket system that allows for adjustable alignment and removal, incorporating a curved race member and shaft with a socket, and a backplate for sealing, enabling support of different seat widths and styles while withstanding outdoor elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional cylindrical pin hinge mechanism is used, then the seat can be rotated for cleaning and storage, but the mechanism cannot accommodate different seat widths or orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a non-cylindrical pin with a polygonal cross-section (square, rectangular, triangular, or pentagonal) instead of a traditional cylindrical pin. This asymmetric shape allows the pin to accommodate different seat widths and orientations while maintaining a relatively simple hinge mechanism design. The non-cylindrical shape provides multiple engagement surfaces that can adapt to various seat configurations without requiring multiple different hinge designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-cylindrical pin serves multiple functions: it acts as a rotational axis, provides alignment features through its polygonal shape, and accommodates different seat widths and orientations. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized hinge mechanisms for different seating configurations, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge mechanism is designed for specific seating styles, then it can provide precise alignment, but it cannot be used for different seating styles or dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The non-cylindrical pin's polygonal cross-section provides inherent alignment features that ensure precise positioning of the seat bottom relative to the support members. The flat surfaces of the polygonal shape create natural contact points that maintain manufacturing precision while allowing the same pin design to be used across different seating styles and dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal non-cylindrical pin design maintains alignment precision across different seating configurations by providing consistent geometric reference surfaces. Whether used in parallel or non-parallel support member arrangements, the polygonal pin ensures precise seat bottom positioning through its inherent geometric features, eliminating the need for style-specific hinge designs.
3Ease of operation
If a complex hinge mechanism with multiple components is used, then it can provide adjustment capability, but it increases device complexity and difficulty of assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment features, rotational function, and adjustment capability into a single non-cylindrical pin component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate alignment pins, adjustment mechanisms, and multiple fastening components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for adjustment and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-cylindrical pin is designed as a modular component that can be easily separated from the seat bottom and support members. The polygonal shape allows for simple insertion and removal without requiring complex disassembly procedures, making maintenance and adjustment straightforward while keeping the overall mechanism simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved seating hinge includes a pin having a race member at a distal end and a shaft at a proximal end, and a bracket having a socket, wherein the pin is inserted into the bracket so that the race member is in contact with the socket, the shaft protrudes from the socket, and the pin is rotatable within the socket. The seating hinge further includes a telescoping connection that allows for varying seat widths and placements. Adjustment and/or alignment of the seat bottom can be performed without requiring support leg to be moved or replaced. The hinge can accommodate an auditorium having both straight sections of seating and curved sections of seating with varying degrees of curvature, where some support legs are mounted parallel and others non-parallel relative to each other. The hinge design can withstand weather and elements such as those present in many outdoor locations.