Assembly for supporting an article and methodology for assembling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assemblies for supporting articles, such as furniture, lack improvements in performance and cost-effectiveness, necessitating the development of enhanced support systems that can securely and efficiently attach to various surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The assembly comprises a pillar member with connected wall segments, including a cap member and a fastener, where the cap member is non-removably connected to the pillar member using living hinges and radially extending channels, and a method for assembling the assembly involves transitioning the pillar member from an unwrapped to a wrapped state to secure the cap member, forming a tapering cavity for attachment to articles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional assemblies are used for supporting articles, then the structure is simple, but the attachment security and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pillar member is divided into multiple wall segments that can be folded together, and the cap member is separated into distinct functional portions. This segmentation allows the assembly to achieve secure attachment through the interlocking of multiple components while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cap member is designed to be received within the cavity formed by the wall segments, creating a nested structure where the cap is partially enclosed by the folded wall segments. This nesting provides secure attachment and stability while using a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the cap member is non-removably connected to the pillar member, then the stability is enhanced, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap member connection stabilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The living hinges are pre-formed in the wall segments during manufacturing, and the radially extending channels are pre-created in the cap member. These preliminary features enable the non-removable connection to be achieved through a simple folding and insertion process, rather than requiring complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The living hinges provide automatic mechanical interlocking when the wall segments are folded, and the radially extending channels automatically receive and retain the cap member portions. This self-service mechanism achieves stable non-removable connection without requiring additional fasteners or complex joining operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pillar member is made with multiple wall segments and living hinges, then the adaptability for wrapping around articles is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrapping capabilityVSAvoidpillar member fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wall segments are designed as thin, flexible structures connected by living hinges, allowing the pillar member to be folded and wrapped around variously shaped articles. This flexible design provides adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple forming operations for each wall segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Dividing the pillar member into separate wall segments with living hinges allows each segment to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled through folding. This segmentation provides wrapping adaptability while avoiding the complexity of manufacturing a single complex three-dimensional structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the cavity is designed to radially receive the cap member, then the non-removable connection is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection permanenceVSAvoidcavity structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radially extending channels are pre-formed in the cap member during manufacturing, and the cavity is pre-shaped in the folded wall segments. This preliminary preparation allows the non-removable connection to be achieved through a simple insertion and retention process, rather than requiring complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The radially extending channels in the cap member automatically engage with the cavity walls when inserted, creating a self-retaining non-removable connection. This self-service mechanism achieves permanent attachment without requiring additional locking features or complex cavity structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12007066B2Assembly for supporting an article and methodology for assembling the same

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 SAUDER WOODWORKING CO

AI summary

An assembly for supporting an article is disclosed. The assembly may include one or a combination of a pillar member, a first cap member, a second cap member; and a fastener. In some configurations, the pillar member may be utilized alone for supporting the article; as such the first cap member, the second cap member, and the fastener may be individually or collectively optional. A method for assembling the assembly is also disclosed.