Seating system

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seating systems lack versatility and adjustability in terms of height and base configuration, which limits user comfort and stability, especially in applications requiring multiple positions or compact storage.

Innovation Solution

A seating system comprising a pedestal and a reversible base with a locking mechanism that allows for removably securing the pedestal and base to each other, enabling adjustable height through stacking and reversible orientation of the base, providing a convex or flat surface for stability and compact storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed base configuration is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but versatility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebase configuration versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into two separate components: a base plate and a reversible base. The reversible base can be attached to or removed from the base plate, allowing the system to switch between different configurations (convex outward for stability, convex inward for compact storage) without increasing the complexity of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base configuration is made dynamic through the reversible attachment mechanism. The reversible base can be flipped or reoriented to change the convex surface orientation, enabling the system to adapt between stable operating position and compact storage position rather than being fixed in one configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable height through stacking is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seating system is segmented into multiple identical pedestal units that can be stacked vertically. Each pedestal contains the necessary locking mechanism, allowing multiple units to be combined to achieve different heights without requiring complex integrated adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each pedestal is designed as a universal module that can function both as a standalone unit and as part of a stacked configuration. The standardized locking mechanism allows any pedestal to be attached to any other pedestal, providing height adjustability through simple stacking rather than complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a convex base surface is used, then stability is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating stabilityVSAvoidstorage space efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The base configuration is made dynamic through the reversible attachment mechanism. The reversible base can be flipped or reoriented to change the convex surface orientation, enabling the system to adapt between stable operating position and compact storage position rather than being fixed in one configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reversible base can be attached in two orientations: with the convex surface facing outward for stability during use, or with the convex surface facing inward toward the pedestal for compact storage. This inversion capability allows the same component to serve both stability and storage efficiency requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10568431B2Seating system

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 SMITH SYST MFG CO INC

AI summary

A seating system configured for providing multi-directional motion.