Chair Slide-In Coupling for Hidden Backrest Assembly Without Fasteners
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing chairs with backrests and side elements, which involve welding or fasteners, are complex, costly, and aesthetically detrimental due to exposed seams or fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A chair design featuring a slide-in coupling between the backrest and side elements, where the backrest is connected through vertically located slots and coupling elements, eliminating the need for visible fasteners and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding or fasteners are used to connect the back rest with side elements, then the connection strength is improved, but the appearance is deteriorated due to exposed seams or fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is inserted into the rear leg and hidden within its structure. The coupling element comprises a protrusion that extends into the rear leg, creating a nested configuration where the connection components are contained within the leg rather than exposed on the surface, thus maintaining both strength and aesthetic appearance.
2Reliability
If welding or fasteners are used to connect the back rest with side elements, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex welding processes or multiple fastener assemblies with a simple slide-in coupling mechanism. The coupling element with protrusion slides into the rear leg and is retained by an undercut, creating a reliable mechanical connection through a single straightforward assembly motion rather than requiring welding equipment or multiple fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element features an undercut that automatically retains the element in place once inserted into the rear leg. The undercut geometry creates a self-locking mechanism where the protrusion of the coupling element engages with the rear leg structure, providing self-retention without requiring additional fasteners, clips, or complex assembly steps.
3Strength
If welding or fasteners are used to connect the back rest with side elements, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation is deteriorated due to difficult assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex welding processes or multiple fastener assemblies with a simple slide-in coupling mechanism. The coupling element with protrusion slides into the rear leg and is retained by an undercut, creating a reliable mechanical connection through a single straightforward assembly motion rather than requiring welding equipment or multiple fastening operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A chair and a method for the manufacturing of a chair are presented. The chair comprises a sitting surface (1), a back rest (2) and two side elements (3). The sitting surface (1) is fixed between the side elements (3). Each side element (3) comprises a front leg (31) and a rear leg (32), and the back rest (2) is connected with each rear leg (32) through a slide-in coupling.