Telescopic Seating Riser Alignment Control to Prevent Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable seating systems face challenges in efficiently deploying and retracting seating risers without manual intervention, particularly on uneven or slick surfaces, and in preventing binding between risers during movement.
Innovation Solution
A powered telescopic seating system with a belt drive system and a controller using a laser/sensor feedback loop to monitor alignment and misalignment, providing corrective steering to prevent binding and facilitate smooth deployment and retraction, along with a locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used to deploy and retract seating risers, then control over positioning is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seating riser system deploys and retracts automatically using its own drive mechanisms without requiring external manual intervention. The system monitors its own alignment through sensors and self-corrects positioning, enabling autonomous operation that reduces both labor intensity and deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated system combining electric motors, belt drives, and electronic sensors. This substitution enables automatic deployment and retraction while incorporating real-time alignment monitoring to prevent binding, thereby reducing time loss and improving operational ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If seating risers are moved on uneven or slick surfaces, then adaptability to different venues is improved, but risk of binding between risers increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical sensors continuously monitor the alignment between adjacent seating risers during movement. When misalignment is detected that could lead to binding, the system receives feedback and automatically adjusts the positioning of individual risers to maintain proper spacing, ensuring reliable operation on uneven or slick surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the position and speed of individual seating risers based on real-time alignment conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to varying surface conditions while maintaining reliable operation by preventing binding through continuous positional adjustment.
3Volume of moving object
If seating risers are stored in retracted position, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility of seats during storage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seating risers are designed to telescope into one another when not in use, with each riser containing or supporting the next in a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume required for storage while maintaining the ability to quickly deploy individual risers when needed, thus preserving ease of operation despite compact storage.
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
Enables automatic and efficient deployment and retraction of seating risers on various surfaces, preventing binding and ensuring safe and stable operation without manual intervention, while allowing for compact storage and efficient use of space.
Implementation Method 1
a powered telescopic seating system with a belt drive system and a controller using a laser/sensor feedback loop to monitor alignment and misalignment
Data Source
AI summary
An example of the disclosed seating system includes a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another. Each of the plurality of seating risers includes a respective deck to support a seat, such as a seating bench, at least partially forward of said deck.