Rotating Modular Seating for Compact Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seating systems lack the ability to be easily reconfigured and compactly stored, limiting their versatility and space efficiency, especially in environments with multiple users like nursery schools and play centers.
Innovation Solution
A modular seating system comprising prism-shaped modules made of soft materials, such as foam rubber, that can be rotated and connected using fabric coverings, zip fasteners, or Velcro straps to form various three-dimensional configurations, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and combination with other systems to create complex shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seating systems are used, then they provide stable and fixed seating arrangements, but they cannot be easily reconfigured or compactly stored
Solution Approach 1:
The seating system is divided into multiple identical modular units, each comprising a seat and a backrest that can function independently or combine with other units. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration without complex overall system design, as each module remains simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular unit serves multiple functions: it can be used as a standalone seat, combined with another unit to form a two-seater with shared backrest, or integrated into larger configurations. This multi-functionality enables versatile arrangements while maintaining simple, identical module designs.
2Volume of moving object
If seating systems are designed for fixed configurations, then they are simple in structure, but they occupy more space and cannot be compactly stored
Solution Approach 1:
The seating system transitions from fixed to dynamic configurations through simple mechanical connections. Modules can be quickly assembled and disassembled by connecting or separating at standardized interfaces, enabling compact storage when not in use while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive connection mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seating configurations are created using conventional systems, then they provide seating options, but they require multiple different components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses identical segmented modules that can be arranged in various configurations. Instead of requiring different components for different seating arrangements, the same modular units are simply repositioned and reconnected, reducing the total number of unique parts needed while maximizing configuration variety.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a new seating system with one or more substantially horizontal or inclined seats (O) or supporting surfaces, and/or one or more substantially vertical or inclined backs (V), comprising eight prismatic modular elements or modules (Ti) with opposite parallel base faces (Ti) in the shape of a right-angled isosceles triangle, each module (Ti) being joined to at least one adjacent module (Ti) at the level of one corner (T4), and wherein each module (Ti) rotates around said connection corner (T4) relative to the module (Ti) to which it is joined.