Packable chair
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a packable chair that is lighter in weight and more compact than conventional packable chairs, particularly for activities such as camping, backpacking, and outdoor events where space and weight efficiency are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The chair design includes a first and second fabric panel, back support poles, and cross support poles that cross each other, creating a lightweight and compact structure. The chair can be folded into a compact cylindrical shape for easy packing and has a total weight of less than 12 ounces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional packable chair designs are used, then structural stability and comfort are achieved, but weight and packed volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chair structure is divided into separate modular components: fabric panels, back support poles, and cross support poles. These segments can be independently manufactured from lightweight materials and assembled only when needed, allowing the use of ultra-lightweight materials without compromising overall structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair employs a nested configuration where fabric panels are wrapped around and integrated with the pole structure. The cross support poles are positioned to nest within the space defined by the back support poles and fabric panels, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes both weight and packed volume while maintaining structural stability when deployed.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional packable chair designs are used, then structural stability is achieved, but packed volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chair employs a nested configuration where fabric panels are wrapped around and integrated with the pole structure. The cross support poles are positioned to nest within the space defined by the back support poles and fabric panels, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes both weight and packed volume while maintaining structural stability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair transitions between two dynamic states: a compact nested configuration for packing and transport, and an expanded stable configuration for use. The fabric panels and poles are designed to dynamically reconfigure from a compressed state to a load-bearing structure, allowing minimal packed volume while ensuring structural stability during operation.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used to reduce weight, then chair weight decreases, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The chair utilizes composite construction combining fabric panels with rigid pole elements. The fabric panels (which can be lightweight synthetic materials) work in conjunction with the pole structure to distribute and bear loads, allowing the use of lightweight materials while maintaining overall structural strength through the composite action of multiple materials working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair structure is divided into separate modular components: fabric panels, back support poles, and cross support poles. These segments can be independently manufactured from lightweight materials and assembled only when needed, allowing the use of ultra-lightweight materials without compromising overall structural integrity during use.
4Volume of moving object
If minimal structure is used to reduce weight and volume, then packability is improved, but ease of operation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The chair is designed so that the fabric panels are pre-cut and pre-prepared with attachment points, and the poles are pre-positioned in their nested configuration. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly during use - the user simply needs to expand the nested structure and secure the fabric panels, transforming a potentially complex assembly process into a simple, quick operation despite the minimal structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A chair includes a first fabric panel having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a second fabric panel coupled to the first panel between the first end and the second end such that the second fabric panel divides the first fabric panel into a seat section between the second fabric panel and the first end and a rear section between the second fabric panel and the second end. Back support poles are received within sleeves extending along sides of the second fabric panel. The chair further includes cross support poles having ends coupled to the back support poles and opposite ends coupled to the second end of the second fabric panel. The cross support poles cross one another. The chair has an overall weight less than 12 ounces.