Armrest Fastenerless Arm Pad Attachment Using Interlocking Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armrests for chairs require external fasteners, adhesives, or welding to attach arm pads, which can be cumbersome and limit design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The armrest design employs interlocking profiles between the arm pad and the armrest structure, using resilient projections and apertures for a fastenerless connection, allowing for interference fit without mechanical tools, adhesives, or welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If external fasteners (screws, bolts, adhesives) are used to attach arm pads, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The arm pad and armrest structure are designed with complementary interlocking profiles that automatically engage with each other during assembly. The protrusions on one component fit into recesses on the other component, creating a self-securing connection that eliminates the need for external fasteners or adhesives while maintaining strong attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment function is merged into the structural design of the arm pad and armrest components themselves. The interlocking profiles are integrated directly into the components, combining the structural and fastening functions into a single unified design that reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If external fasteners or welding are used to attach arm pads, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking profiles enable automatic engagement of the arm pad with the armrest structure through simple insertion or snapping motions. This self-securing mechanism eliminates time-consuming fastening operations while ensuring reliable attachment through the geometric interlock of the profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, welding) with a simplified geometric interlocking system. The interlocking profiles use basic insertion and engagement mechanics to achieve reliable attachment, dramatically reducing assembly complexity and increasing productivity.
3Strength
If conventional fastening mechanisms are used, then connection strength is improved, but adaptability and design flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into modular interlocking profiles that can be independently designed and configured. This segmentation allows different profile geometries to be used for different applications, enabling design flexibility and adaptability while maintaining strong attachment through the interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking profile system serves multiple functions: it provides structural attachment, enables easy assembly and disassembly, and allows for design variations. The same basic interlocking principle can be applied to different component sizes and configurations, making the system universally applicable across various design scenarios.
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
This solution provides a secure, flexible, and tool-free attachment method for arm pads to armrest supports, enhancing design versatility and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the projections can be configured to resiliently deform for insertion into the opening mouth of the recess of the wall of the arm pad to which the projection is inserted so that resiliency of the projection causes the projection to help provide an interference fit connection between the projection and the wall of the arm pad
Data Source
AI summary
A chair can include armrest apparatuses. Each of the armrest apparatuses can be configured so an arm pad is connectable to an armrest without the use of a mechanical fastener (e.g. a screw, a bolt, etc.) and without the use of an adhesive or welding, and without the use of mechanical tools (e.g. screw driver, hammer, etc.) by use of interlocking mating profiles defined in the structure of the arm pad and structure of the armrest to which the arm pad is attached. Embodiments of the chair can be configured as a side chair, task chair, or other type of chair having at least one armrest or other type of armrest apparatus.