Removable Chair Shell Label Holder With Elastic Clip Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In shared office environments, personalizing and identifying seats is challenging due to their personal nature and specific adjustments, which makes them difficult to assign to multiple users, unlike desks that can be easily shared.

Innovation Solution

A removable identification label holder system with a fixing support and elastic attachment profile that clips onto the upper rim of a chair shell, using a protuberance and recess for secure attachment and a slot for easy dismantling with a tool like a ruler, allowing for manual installation and removal without specialized tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent label holder is attached to the seat shell, then the identification is secure and reliable, but the adaptability to shared office environments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification securityVSAvoidflexibility for shared use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The label holder transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The elastic fixing wall allows the label holder to be securely attached when needed, yet easily removed when the environment changes, enabling adaptation between permanent and temporary identification needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is divided into separable components: the label holder with its fixing support and the shell with receiving features. This segmentation allows the label holder to be independently attached or removed, providing flexibility while maintaining secure attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a specialized tool is used for attaching the label holder, then the attachment is more secure and reliable, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is designed to be self-servicing. The elastic fixing wall automatically deforms and locks into the recess under its own elasticity, securing the label holder without requiring external tools. The same elastic mechanism also enables easy release by applying minimal force through the slot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic fixing wall acts as an intermediary between the label holder and the shell. It provides the necessary compliance during attachment, allowing the rigid components to connect securely through controlled deformation and elastic recovery, simplifying the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the fixing wall is made rigid for strong attachment, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of dismantling is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddismantling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing wall's mechanical properties are optimized to provide sufficient attachment strength through elastic deformation rather than rigid connection. The material and geometry are selected so that the wall can deform elastically during attachment to engage the recess securely, yet deform plastically or exceed the elastic limit during dismantling to release the connection easily.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible and efficient identification of seats for personal use in shared office settings, optimizing space usage and allowing for easy adaptation to common office equipment, ensuring optional and immediate implementation.

Implementation Method 1

the protuberance elastically deforms the wall when it slides in contact with the internal face of the shell during assembly, until clipping by inserting the protrusion into the recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

deform the fixing wall in the same direction as the assembly to unlock the connection for the dismantling of the label holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2296133B1System for removably attaching a label-holder to the shell or wall of a piece of furniture

Publication Date: 2011.06.22 STEELCASE SA

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The system has a traversing conduit or slot (11) placed in an upper wall of a hooking profile perpendicular to a group of protuberances (10), a recess (9) of a fixation wall (7) and an internal face (8) of a shell. The conduit or slot is oriented in a direction of the group so as to dismount an identification label holder by insertion of a plane regulation tool by arriving at the protuberance and deforms the fixation wall of the profile in a direction same as a mounting direction for unlocking a connection to dismount the holder.