Pantograph Seat Blocks for Fast Auditorium Layout Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for transforming a multi-purpose theater from a stepped configuration to a flat configuration face challenges such as synchronization issues during layout changes, inability to adapt to curved beam shapes, and difficulties with rear seat rows due to steric hindrance, leading to increased time and cost.

Innovation Solution

The use of pantograph mechanisms with a fixed and mobile support connected by actuating arms, along with compensation means and inversion mechanisms, allows for independent tilting of seat blocks without synchronization requirements, accommodating various beam shapes and overcoming steric hindrance issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tilting means are used for load-bearing blocks, then 180° rotation of seat groups is achieved, but synchronization problems increase time and cost for layout modification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout transformation capabilityVSAvoidtime for layout modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the load-bearing beams remain stationary while the load-bearing blocks tilt independently. This inversion eliminates the need for complex synchronization of beam lifting movements, as each block can tilt autonomously without requiring coordinated vertical movement of multiple beams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the seating structure into independent load-bearing blocks that can tilt separately. Each block is equipped with its own tilting means, allowing independent rotation without affecting other blocks. This segmentation eliminates synchronization requirements and enables parallel transformation of multiple seat groups simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tilting means are used for load-bearing blocks, then 180° rotation of seat groups is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to curved beam shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam shape adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tilting means are designed as universal components that can be mounted on any load-bearing beam regardless of its shape - rectilinear, curved, or angular. The same basic tilting mechanism works across different beam geometries, eliminating the need for specialized designs for each beam type and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tilting mechanism is designed to adapt to local beam characteristics at each mounting point. Each load-bearing block can be independently configured to work with the specific geometry of its supporting beam, whether straight or curved, without requiring changes to the fundamental tilting mechanism design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If rectilinear beams are used to accommodate conventional tilting means, then seat rotation is enabled, but curved room geometries cannot be utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam geometryVSAvoidusable room area

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of forcing beams to be rectilinear to accommodate the tilting mechanism, the patent inverts the approach by making the tilting mechanism adaptable to any beam shape. This allows the structural beams to follow the desired curved architecture while the seating blocks still achieve the necessary 180° rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system explicitly supports curved beam geometries, allowing load-bearing beams to follow circular or arc-shaped paths around the room perimeter. This enables utilization of curved wall spaces and maximizes usable room area while maintaining full tilting functionality for seat rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Ease of operation

If load-bearing beams are lowered or raised during tilting operations, then seat rotation between deployed and retracted positions is achieved, but synchronization problems arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout transformation easeVSAvoidsynchronization control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the operational sequence by keeping beams stationary at fixed heights and performing the tilting action locally at each block. This eliminates the need for coordinated raising and lowering of multiple beams, as each block tilts independently in place without requiring vertical beam movement or synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2775071B1Hall, in particular a multi-purpose auditorium

Publication Date: 2016.02.24 SERAPID FRANCE

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AI summary

Multipurpose room equipped with a set of seat support beams (1) carrying independent bearing blocks (3) equipped with a group of seats (4) and which can be arranged in a stepped configuration or in a flat configuration, characterized in that it comprises means for tilting the groups of seats (4) constituted, for each of the carrier blocks (3) by at least one pantograph mechanism (9) comprising a fixed support (10) integral with the carrier beam (1 ) and a movable support (11) integral with the carrier block (3) and the group of seats, as well as a control linkage making it possible to move the group of seats (4) between a deployed position and a retracted position by rotation around the fixed support (10).