Transit Bench Seat Frame with Torsion Spring Folding Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transit bench seats lack improvements in strength, weight reduction, ease of installation, and maintenance, while also not addressing issues like noise and impact during folding and unfolding processes.
Innovation Solution
A transit bench seat design featuring a seat frame connected to a folding frame that can automatically fold between upright and horizontal positions, utilizing torsion springs and a telescopic shock mechanism for smooth movement and stability, with modular connectors for easy assembly and disassembly, and a frame structure optimized for strength and weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the seat frame is made stronger to improve structural integrity, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining metal frame components with plastic or polymer materials. The frame ribs are formed from extruded metal profiles that provide structural strength, while plastic components cover and protect the frame, creating a composite structure that achieves high strength-to-weight ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat frame is divided into multiple segmented components including separate frame ribs, crossbars, end covers, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength and weight, and enables modular assembly that reduces overall material usage while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the folding mechanism is simplified for ease of installation, then ease of installation is improved, but noise and impact during folding increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates shock-absorbing elements and damping mechanisms within the folding joint design. The connection between the seat frame and folding frame includes built-in cushioning features that absorb impact energy during folding operations, preventing noise and harmful vibrations before they can propagate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary damping elements and buffered connection components between the folding frame and seat frame. These intermediary elements act as mediators that smooth out the folding motion, reducing direct impact and noise transmission while maintaining the simplicity of the overall folding mechanism.
3Strength
If the frame structure is made more complex to improve strength distribution, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into standardized modular components including repeating frame rib patterns, identical end cover designs, and uniform mounting bracket configurations. This segmentation creates a complex overall structure through simple repetition of standardized elements, maintaining manufacturability and assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal connection designs and standardized mounting interfaces that serve multiple functions. The same basic connection mechanisms are used throughout the frame structure for both strength distribution and assembly purposes, reducing the need for specialized complex components.
4Ease of repair
If the seat is designed for easy disassembly to improve maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability during operation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into clearly segmented modular components including the seat frame, folding frame, end covers, and mounting brackets, each connected through standardized interfaces. This segmentation enables easy disassembly for maintenance while the standardized connection design ensures consistent reliable joining during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features in the modular connection interfaces. These features allow components to automatically position and secure themselves during assembly, reducing the skill level required for maintenance while ensuring reliable operational performance without complex fastening mechanisms.
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 design enhances strength and reduces weight, facilitates easy installation and maintenance, and ensures quiet, impact-free folding and unfolding, making it suitable for transit vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of torsion springs include a right torsion spring and a left torsion spring that are helically mounted around a torsion bar
Implementation Method 2
The shock is mounted at an inner shock pivot to the torsion arm. The shock is mounted to the folding frame at an outer shock pivot. The seat can be configured to automatically fold to the upright stowed position when unoccupied
Data Source
AI summary
A transit bench seat has a seat with a seat frame. The seat frame is connected to a folding frame that folds between an upright stowed position and a horizontal deployed position. A seat frame cover covers the left or right end of the seat frame. A plurality of rib sections are formed as frame ribs and can be segmented between a vertical fixed portion and a horizontal folding portion. The frame ribs include a first frame rib, a second frame rib, and third frame rib. The frame ribs are formed with a seat nose. The seat nose is supported at a seat nose frame bracket for stability of the frame rib and seat nose. A rear cross bar is placed below a top crossbar. The rear crossbar and the top crossbar are connected to the frame ribs.