Shop Chair Base Assembly with Thin Plate Legs for Ground-Level Work
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shop chairs lack stability on uneven surfaces, fail to adjust to lower heights for working closer to the ground, are either too heavy or too weak, and are expensive, leading to reduced productivity, quality of work, and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A shop chair with a strong, lightweight base featuring a central hub, vertically oriented thin plate legs, an oversized stabilizing ring, and large caster wheels, allowing for adjustable seat height and enhanced mobility on rough surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional shop chairs use large amounts of metal to provide strength, then the chair becomes strong and durable, but the chair becomes quite heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction combining steel tubes for the frame structure with polyurethane foam cushioning material. The base assembly uses steel plates and tubes arranged in a truss-like configuration to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio. This composite approach allows the chair to be both strong and lighter weight compared to conventional all-metal chairs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shop chairs have a fixed seat height, then the chair structure is simple, but the chair cannot adapt to different working heights including lower positions for ground-level work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a height adjustment mechanism using a telescoping central post with a pin insertion system. The central post can be extended or retracted relative to the base assembly, allowing the seat cushion to be positioned at different heights. This dynamic adjustment capability enables adaptation to various working conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If conventional shop chairs have small caster wheels, then the chair structure is simple, but the chair stops suddenly or pitches forward on uneven surfaces and rough floors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from small wheels to large diameter caster wheels (approximately 6 inches or larger). This dimensional change in wheel size allows the chairs to bridge over bumps, seams, and debris on construction floors, providing smooth movement and stability. The larger wheel diameter fundamentally changes how the chair interacts with uneven surfaces, preventing sudden stops and pitching forward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an outer stabilizing ring that extends beyond the seat cushion perimeter, creating a large footprint base. This stabilizing ring is positioned before the seat and provides a wide foundation that prevents tipping when workers lean forward or move around. The stabilizing ring acts as a preliminary protective structure that anticipates and prevents instability issues.
4Ease of operation
If conventional shop chairs require workers to bend over or kneel for ground-level work, then the chair structure remains simple, but workers experience extra stress on joints and back
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism using the telescoping central post with pin insertion system enables the seat cushion to be positioned at lower heights appropriate for ground-level work. This dynamic height adjustment allows workers to maintain proper posture without bending over or kneeling, reducing stress on joints and back while performing tasks at various elevations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a shop chair with a seat cushion supported by a strong, light-weight base assembly with an elevated central hub that threadably receives a central column to adjust the height of the seat cushion. The base includes several vertically oriented thin plate legs that extend radially outward and downward from a central hub. The outer ends of the legs are joined by a stabilizing ring with a diameter larger than the seat cushion. Oversized caster wheels and the large footprint of the base provide a stable work platform. The seat cushion can be selectively lowered until the bottom of the central post is proximal to or contacts the ground. The chair and its base are particularly suited for work done closer to the ground.