Reclining Theater Seat Frame with Cutaway for Riser Accommodation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting existing movie theaters with reclining seating units is challenging due to the presence of riser arrangements, which requires costly modifications to accommodate the reclining mechanisms, putting older theaters at a competitive disadvantage.
Innovation Solution
A reclining seating unit design featuring a frame with cutaway portions to accommodate riser arrangements, a series of pivotally interconnected links for movement between upright and fully reclined positions, and a linear actuator that resides entirely below the seat, allowing for reclining without modifying the theater's riser configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional reclining seating units are installed in theaters with riser arrangements, then the theaters can provide reclining functionality, but expensive modifications to the riser structure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separate components (seat portion, backrest portion, footrest portion) that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows the reclining mechanism to be configured to fit within the existing riser structure without requiring modification of the riser itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The reclining mechanism is designed to operate in the vertical dimension by positioning components above and below the riser structure rather than requiring horizontal space within the riser. The frame members extend vertically to clear the riser arrangement, allowing reclining motion without interfering with the riser's structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If the linear actuator and footrest linkage are positioned below the seat, then the reclining mechanism can be compact, but space constraints are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest linkage and linear actuator are nested within the space between the seat and the floor, utilizing the vertical volume rather than horizontal space. The footrest members can be stored in a retracted position within the frame structure when not in use, maximizing space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest linkage is designed with movable members that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation during reclining operation. The linkage members pivot and extend as needed, allowing the mechanism to occupy minimal space in the upright position while providing full reclining functionality when activated.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating unit includes: a frame having a pair of arms, wherein each of the arms includes a cutaway portion in a lower rear area thereof, the cutaway portion configured to receive a tread and a riser of a riser arrangement; a backrest; a seat; a first footrest; a reclining mechanism; and a linear actuator. The reclining mechanism is connected between the backrest, seat, and first footrest, the reclining mechanism comprising a series of pivotally interconnected links and configured to move the seating unit between: (a) an upright position, in which the backrest is disposed at a first generally upright backrest angle relative to the seat, the seat is disposed at a first generally horizontal seat angle, and the first footrest is retracted below a forward portion of the seat; and (b) a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is disposed at a second backrest angle relative to horizontal that is shallower than the first backrest angle, the first footrest is extended in front of the seat, and the seat has a second seat angle that is deeper relative to horizontal than the first seat angle. The reclining mechanism includes a footrest mechanism attached to the first footrest, the footrest mechanism configured to control relative movement of the first footrest relative to the seat. The linear actuator is attached to the reclining mechanism and the footrest linkage and configured to move the backrest, seat and first footrest between the upright and fully reclined positions. The linear actuator and the footrest linkage reside entirely below a front portion of the seat and in front of the cutaway portion of the arms.