Seat occupancy indicator device and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat occupancy indicator systems are complex and costly, leading to conflicts over temporarily unoccupied seats in public events, as they fail to efficiently communicate seat availability to patrons.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, plastic seat occupancy indicator device with a housing, external indicator lights, and a control circuit that uses a timer to switch between red and green LEDs to indicate seat availability, allowing users to reset the timer for short absences, and features energy-saving idle mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing seat occupancy indicator systems are used, then seat occupancy information can be displayed, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into simple, independent components: a basic indicator light that can be attached to individual seats. Each seat has its own simple indicator rather than a centralized complex system, allowing independent operation and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective communication of seat availability information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple indicator devices that can be easily manufactured and deployed. These basic indicators use simple lighting elements rather than complex electronics, making the system cost-effective while still achieving the goal of clear seat availability communication
2Loss of information
If existing seat occupancy indicator systems are used, then seat occupancy information can be displayed, but the system becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple indicator devices that can be easily manufactured and deployed. These basic indicators use simple lighting elements rather than complex electronics, making the system cost-effective while still achieving the goal of clear seat availability communication
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple visual copies (light indicators) to represent seat occupancy status rather than complex digital displays. Each seat gets a simple visual indicator that copies the essential information (occupied/vacant) in an easily manufacturable form
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring of seat occupancy is used, then no additional devices are needed, but conflicts occur over temporarily unoccupied seats
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device operates autonomously without requiring manual monitoring or intervention. The system automatically detects and displays seat occupancy status, serving itself to communicate availability information efficiently while maintaining simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback about seat occupancy status through the indicator lights. This automatic feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual monitoring while clearly communicating seat availability to prevent conflicts, balancing simplicity with operational effectiveness
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
The device effectively communicates seat availability, reducing conflicts and stress among patrons by providing a simple, efficient, and cost-effective solution for indicating seat occupancy, ensuring clear communication of seat status through visual cues.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of indicator lights are disposed on the housing-exterior. The plurality of indicator lights are viewable from a location outside of the housing.
Implementation Method 2
The housing further includes diffusion windows configured to diffuse illumination provided by the plurality of indicator lights.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat occupancy indicator device and method; the seat occupancy indicator device includes a housing made of a rigid material (the housing has a housing-exterior and a housing-interior-volume); a plurality of indicator lights, the plurality of indicator lights disposed on the housing-exterior, the plurality of indicator lights viewable from a location outside of the housing; a control-circuit, the control-circuit located within the housing-interior-volume, the control-circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of indicator lights. The seat occupancy indicator is useful for indicating occupancy of a seat.