Seating system with tiltable deck and belt drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seating risers in facilities like auditoriums and stadiums face challenges in efficiently transitioning between storage and deployment positions, requiring a system that can accommodate tiltable decks and efficient movement mechanisms while minimizing storage space and ensuring stability.
Innovation Solution
A seating system incorporating tiltable decks with a drive system that includes a sprocket and belt configuration, along with a linear actuator using a ball screw assembly and motor, allows for telescopic movement and lateral steering of risers, enabling efficient deployment and retraction, and the use of support brackets for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seating risers are designed to be movable between retracted and deployed positions, then seating availability increases, but device complexity increases due to required drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drive mechanisms with a belt drive system that uses a single continuous belt and pulleys to accomplish both telescopic movement and deck tilting, simplifying the overall mechanical complexity while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single continuous belt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it drives telescopic movement of the riser and controls tilting of the deck, eliminating the need for separate drive systems for each function
2Ease of operation
If decks are made tiltable to improve seating comfort and visibility, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deck tilting function with the existing telescopic drive system by using the same continuous belt and pulley arrangement, so that deck tilting is accomplished through the same mechanical means that drives telescopic movement, rather than adding a separate actuation system
3Productivity
If risers are designed for efficient telescopic movement, then productivity improves, but reliability may worsen due to increased movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a belt drive system that provides smooth, controlled movement through friction-based power transmission, reducing the number of moving parts and potential failure points while maintaining fast deployment capability
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 system increases seating availability, reduces vertical storage space, and provides stable and efficient movement of risers between positions, enhancing operational flexibility and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator using a ball screw assembly and motor
Implementation Method 2
a drive system that includes a sprocket and belt configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A seating system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a riser including a tiltable deck. Another seating system according to the present disclosure includes, among other things, a drive system for moving a riser. The drive system includes a sprocket configured to engage a belt.