Snap-On Linking System for Folding Chair Row Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding chairs in meeting rooms cannot be readily linked together, leading to disarray and tripping hazards during emergencies, as existing ganging systems are not suitable for folding chairs.
Innovation Solution
A linking system comprising three linking members with u-shaped recesses and slits that snap onto tubular members of adjacent folding chairs, allowing for robust attachment and alignment in rows, preventing deformation under applied forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If folding chairs are used for meeting purposes, then storage space is reduced and portability is improved, but the chairs cannot be readily linked together, leading to disarray during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
A linking member is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent folding chairs. The linking member includes engagement portions that connect to tubular members of the chairs, providing a mechanical connection that prevents disarray while maintaining the folding chair's portability and storage advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The linking system is divided into separate modular components: linking members with specific engagement portions for different chair parts. This segmentation allows the linking system to be selectively applied to various chair configurations and facilitates easy attachment and detachment for storage and transport.
2Stability of the object's composition
If ganging systems are used to interlock chairs, then chair alignment and spacing are improved, but existing ganging devices are permanently attached and not suitable for folding chairs
Solution Approach 1:
The linking members are designed with dynamic engagement characteristics - they can be easily attached and detached from the folding chairs. The engagement portions snap onto or into the tubular members, providing stable alignment during use while allowing quick removal when chairs need to be stored or reconfigured.
Solution Approach 2:
The linking members are designed with universal compatibility to work with standard folding chair tubular members. The engagement portions can connect to various chair components (legs, cross-members, back support members) making the same linking system applicable to different chair configurations and meeting room arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If folding chairs are aligned in rows without linking, then ease of arrangement is maintained, but sudden movement or panic causes chairs to be pushed or collapsed, creating tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The linking members are pre-installed on the folding chairs before they are arranged in rows. This preliminary action of connecting the chairs through the linking members creates a stable structure that prevents the harmful effect of chair collapse or disarray during emergency evacuation, without complicating the arrangement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A linking system for folding chairs and a method for linking folding chairs in rows. The linking system includes a first linking member having two spaced-apart, u-shaped first recesses on a first side thereof and a slit on each end thereof, wherein each slit is parallel to an axis defined by the u-shaped recesses; a second linking member having two spaced-apart, u-shaped second recesses on a second side thereof and two spaced-apart, u-shaped third recesses on a third side thereof, wherein the u-shaped third recesses are spaced further apart than the second recesses and the third side is orthogonal to the second side; and a third linking member having two spaced-apart, u-shaped fourth recesses on a fourth side thereof. The first, second and third linking members are configured to snappingly engage tubular members of adjacent folding chairs.