Stadium seat stabilization system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating systems in stadiums suffer from movement issues between seats and rails due to mismatched profiles and material shrinkage, leading to loose fits and instability, despite the use of durable materials for rails and less durable seats.
Innovation Solution
A stadium seat stabilization system that includes a support member with a pocket and a moveable insert, such as a wedge or cammed insert, which is translated within the pocket to exert forces on the seat and rail, securing the seat even when tolerances are not ideal, using self-tapping screws or bolts to lock the seat in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If support members are fabricated from glass reinforced polymer to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to anisotropic shrinkage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and geometric parameters of the support member by introducing a cavity and moveable insert mechanism. This allows the support member to adapt its shape dynamically, compensating for the anisotropic shrinkage inherent in glass reinforced polymer manufacturing. The moveable insert can shift position within the cavity to accommodate dimensional variations, maintaining secure engagement with the rail despite manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the support member dynamic by incorporating a moveable insert that can change position within a cavity. This dynamic element allows the support member to adjust to dimensional variations caused by material shrinkage, transforming a static, precision-critical component into an adaptive system that tolerates manufacturing variations.
2Ease of manufacture
If tolerance of support members is relaxed to ease manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but stability deteriorates due to mismatched profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable insert within the cavity provides dynamic adjustment capability that compensates for profile mismatches. As the insert can shift position, it maintains optimal engagement with the rail even when the support member profile does not perfectly match the rail profile, thereby preserving stability despite relaxed tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the support member by adding a cavity and moveable insert, transforming it from a rigid, fixed-profile component to an adaptive structure. This allows the support member to adjust its effective engagement profile to match the rail, maintaining stability even when manufacturing tolerances are relaxed.
3Force
If toggle fastener pressure is increased to correct loose fit, then securement force is improved, but manufacturing precision requirement worsens as it cannot correct profile mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on increased fastener pressure, the invention introduces a dynamic moveable insert that actively compensates for profile mismatches. The insert can shift position to maintain proper engagement geometry, reducing the need for excessive fastener pressure and the associated manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable insert acts as an intermediary element between the support member and the rail. It mediates the connection by adjusting its position to accommodate profile variations, thereby reducing the direct dependency on precise profile matching between the support member and rail while maintaining adequate secement force.
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 effectively secures seats to rails by compensating for manufacturing tolerances and material shrinkage, ensuring stable and secure attachment even with imperfect fits, thereby reducing movement and extending the lifespan of the seating system.
Implementation Method 1
advancement or rotation of the fastener translates the moveable insert relative to the pocket, causing the moveable insert to exert an upward force on the support member and a downward force on the rail through the aperture, urging the return portion toward engagement with the rear overhang of the rail and securing the support member against the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A stadium fitting stabilization system includes a rail having an upper surface, a front overhang, and a rear overhang. A support member secures a fitting to the rail and includes a return portion that engages and wraps around the rear overhang and an intermediate portion that extends from the return portion along the upper surface and at least partially beyond the front overhang. The intermediate portion includes a pocket having an aperture communicating with the upper surface. A moveable insert includes a fastener and is received in the pocket and engages the upper surface. Advancement or rotation of the fastener translates the moveable insert relative to the pocket, causing the moveable insert to exert an upward force on the support member and a downward force on the rail through the aperture, urging the return portion toward engagement with the rear overhang and securing the support member against the rail.