Continuous-Loop Support Element for Tool-Free Furniture Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional table support elements require tools for assembly and disassembly, cause wear and tear on furniture, and necessitate separate securing means, leading to increased production costs and impracticality.
Innovation Solution
A support element system comprising a continuous loop of interconnected horizontal and vertical members, with incisions on the furniture element for tool-free mounting and demounting, minimizing material damage and reducing the number of separate parts needed for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screws and hoops are used to attach support elements, then the furniture can be securely assembled, but tools are required for assembly and disassembly, and a varied amount of work and skills are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional fastening components (screws, hoops, anchors) from the furniture assembly system. The support element is designed with integrated attachment features that directly engage with the furniture element through friction and geometry, eliminating the need for separate securing means and tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element performs its own attachment function through its geometric design. The continuous loop structure with specific configurations of horizontal and vertical members creates self-locking engagement with the furniture element, requiring no external tools or additional fastening components.
2Reliability
If traditional screws and hoops are used to attach support elements, then the furniture can be securely assembled, but the load of the furniture will by time debilitate the material around the screws, shortening the durability of the furniture
Solution Approach 1:
By removing screws and hoops from the system, the patent eliminates the source of material degradation. The support element attaches through direct geometric engagement that distributes loads across larger surface areas without concentrating stress at discrete fastening points.
3Productivity
If separate securing means are used to attach support elements, then the furniture can be assembled, but the cost of production increases and the time of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support element's structural function with its attachment function into a single integrated component. The continuous loop structure with specifically configured members serves both as the load-bearing element and as the attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate securing parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, enabling tool-free assembly, ensuring secure attachment, and allowing easy disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the furniture system.
4Ease of operation
If traditional attachment methods are used, then the furniture can be assembled, but demounting is often impractical and inadequate management of screws and hoops can damage the furniture
Solution Approach 1:
By removing traditional fastening components, the patent eliminates the risks associated with their management. The support element's integrated design allows for tool-free disassembly by simply releasing the geometric engagement, preventing damage from misplaced or lost fasteners.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
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AI summary
Support element comprising a major upper horizontal member (100), a minor upper horizontal member (150), a first major vertical supporting member (201), a second major vertical supporting member (202), a first minor vertical supporting member (251), a second minor vertical supporting member (252), a first lower horizontal member (301) and a second lower horizontal member (302) being connected head to tail in a continuous loop. A system comprising such a support element and a furniture element (700), is also disclosed.