Integrated Chair Coupling Structure for Fast Panic Linking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chair connectors for panic linking systems are complex, costly, time-consuming to assemble and disassemble, prone to loss, and aesthetically unappealing, posing safety risks and organizational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A chair design where the linking components are integrated into the chair itself, allowing for quick and easy assembly by inserting one chair's coupling half into the adjacent one and lowering it to secure, eliminating the need for separate connectors and enhancing stability with a frame-like structure and angular leg profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate chair connectors are used for panic linking, then the chairs can be linked together, but the connectors are complex, costly, and time-consuming to assemble and disassemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnector complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling elements are integrated directly into the chair structure (front and rear legs contain coupling halves), eliminating the need for separate chair connectors. This merging of the linking function into the chair itself simplifies the overall system and reduces assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The chair legs serve dual functions: structural support and coupling mechanisms. The front and rear legs are designed with coupling halves that enable both load-bearing and linking functions, allowing the same structural elements to perform multiple roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate chair connectors are used, then linking is possible, but they require separate storage and are prone to loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepart retentionVSAvoidsystem organization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the coupling elements into the chair legs themselves, the system eliminates separate connectors that need storage. The coupling halves are permanently attached to the chair structure, ensuring they cannot be lost and reducing organizational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If protruding or fold-out parts are used for linking, then connection is achieved, but they pose injury risks and are visually unappealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety riskVSAvoidlinking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling elements are integrated into the chair leg structure rather than being separate protruding parts. This integration eliminates injury risks from loose connectors while maintaining the linking function through the chair's own structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2460438B1Chairs for panic linking system
Publication Date: 2013.05.29 HILLER OBJEKTMOBEL
  • EP2460438B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2460438B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2460438B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The panic interlinking system comprises a front connection brace (6V) having a downward open right recess which lies next to the right connection point with the right front leg. The connection brace has a frontward open left recess which lies next to the left connection point with the left front leg (2L).