Connecting Table Coupling Bar Design for Stable Chair Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Tete-A-Tete systems face challenges with non-permanent coupling methods that are prone to instability, leading to accidental dislodging and difficulty in optimal positioning, which complicates the assembly process and allows for undesirable relative movement between chairs and tables.

Innovation Solution

A connecting table system with arm receptacles and a coupling bar that locks the chairs in place, utilizing guide slots and guides for haptic feedback to ensure secure coupling and minimal movement, allowing for easy assembly and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If top mount connecting tables are used for non-permanent coupling, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstability of connecting table

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling bar is designed to be movable between an open configuration (for easy assembly) and a closed configuration (for stable coupling). This dynamic element allows the system to transition between ease of operation and stability as needed, resolving the contradiction by making the coupling mechanism adaptable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling bar is divided into segments with locking portions at each end, allowing it to engage with multiple chair arms simultaneously. This segmentation enables the bar to provide stable coupling across multiple attachment points while remaining a single movable component that can be easily positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple pivot arms are used to inhibit movement, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of connecting tableVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking functions are merged into a single coupling bar component. Instead of requiring multiple separate pivot arms to be positioned and manipulated, one coupling bar integrates all locking portions needed to secure both chairs, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling bar design allows users to assemble the system without needing to visually access or manipulate hidden components beneath the table. The self-evident design enables users to complete assembly through simple, intuitive actions without frustration or time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If locking portions are positioned beneath the table, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of couplingVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning locking mechanisms beneath the table where they are hidden and difficult to access, the coupling bar is designed so that the user interacts with the top surface of the table. The movable coupling bar allows locking and unlocking actions to be performed from above, inverting the traditional approach and making the system easy to operate while maintaining secure coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10952536B1Connecting table system

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 POLY WOOD LLC

AI summary

A connecting table Tete-A-Tete system in one embodiment includes a connecting table with two arm receptacle portions each configured to removably receive an arm of a respective seat. The system includes a coupling bar movable between a first position whereat the arms can be inserted into or removed from the respective arm receptacle portions and a second position whereat the arms cannot be inserted into or removed from the respective arm receptacle portions.