Removable Rocker Assembly for Adaptable Chair Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Classrooms often require a balance between providing rocking chairs for students with attention deficit issues while minimizing distractions for others, as traditional rocking chairs may not be suitable for all students, and there is a need for a system to convert standard chairs into rocking chairs on an as-needed basis.
Innovation Solution
A pair of rocker assemblies that can be securely mounted to the horizontal leg portions of a standard chair, allowing the chair to transition between a stationary and rocking condition by contacting the floor with arcuate rocker surfaces and a fulcrum point, enabling rocking motion without altering the chair's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard chair is converted into a rocking chair by permanently modifying its structure, then the rocking function is achieved, but the chair cannot return to its original stationary state and cannot be adapted for different students
Solution Approach 1:
The rocking mechanism is divided into separate, removable rocker assemblies that can be independently attached to or removed from the chair legs. This segmentation allows the rocking function to be added only when needed, maintaining the chair's original stationary capability while providing adaptability for different students' needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The chair system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration through the removable rocker assemblies. The rockers can be attached to provide rocking motion for students who need it, and removed when not needed, allowing the chair to adapt its function based on the student's requirements.
2Reliability
If rocker assemblies are securely mounted to chair legs, then the chair achieves stable rocking support, but the mounting process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components including brackets, connectors, and the rocker assemblies themselves. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed for optimal performance while simplifying the overall assembly process, as components can be pre-assembled and tested before being installed on the chair.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker assemblies are designed with universal mounting features that can be attached to various chair leg configurations. The brackets and connectors are designed to work with different chair types, reducing the need for custom fabrication and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining stable rocking support.
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
Enables individual students to use a rocking chair when needed and revert to a standard chair, providing a flexible solution that supports both stability and mobility without distracting other students.
Implementation Method 1
The rocker surfaces each have an arcuate shape that extends between front and back ends and have a fulcrum point between the front and back ends. When the first and second rocker brackets are installed, the chair is supported at the fulcrum point of each bracket. Since the rocker surfaces each have an arcuate shape, the seat occupant can rock back and forth along the rocker surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for converting a stationary chair into a rocking chair. The chair includes legs that include a horizontal leg portion located near the floor. The system includes a pair of rocking assemblies that each can be mounted to one of a pair of horizontal leg portions of the chair. The rocking assemblies each include a pair of rocker brackets that can be connected to each other and entrap the horizontal leg portion between the pair of rocker brackets. Each of the rocker brackets includes a rocker surface that has an arcuate shape and extends between a front end and a back end with a fulcrum point between the front and back ends. The fulcrum point contacts the floor and the rocker brackets allow the chair to rock along the rocker surfaces. The pair of rocker brackets can be selectively installed upon and removed from the chair legs.