Convertible Cushion Assembly for Stable Tool-Free Chair Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible furniture systems using cushions for chairs and sleeping mats often lack stable backrest support and require tools for configuration, leading to instability and complexity in setup.
Innovation Solution
A modular convertible furniture system comprising hinged cushions and flexible ribbons with burr closures, allowing cushions to be easily rearranged into a chair or sleeping mat without tools, ensuring stable backrest and secure positioning through strategically placed straps and ribbons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cushions are hinged connected to form a chair, then the chair can be formed without tools, but the backrest becomes unstable and yields to reclining
Solution Approach 1:
Straps are pre-attached to the cushions before use. These straps are prepared in advance to enable tool-free assembly while providing the necessary reinforcement for backrest stability when the chair configuration is formed
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cushions are combined through hinged connections and strap fastening to create a unified chair structure. The combination of hinged cushions with strap reinforcement merges the simplicity of cushion assembly with the stability of a reinforced backrest
2Ease of operation
If cushions are arranged to form a sleeping mat, then the sleeping mat can be formed without tools, but the cushions may slip relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
Straps are pre-attached to cushions in positions that will secure them during sleeping mat formation. This preliminary preparation enables tool-free assembly while ensuring cushions remain firmly positioned once the mat is configured
Solution Approach 2:
Straps act as intermediary elements between cushions, providing the connecting mechanism that prevents slippage while maintaining the simplicity of cushion-based construction. The straps mediate between the need for easy assembly and the need for stable cushion positioning
3Reliability
If a stable backrest is provided using additional cushions and ribbons, then backrest stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same basic components (cushions with attached straps) serve multiple functions: they form both the seat and backrest of the chair, and can also configure into a sleeping mat. This universality provides stable backrest support without requiring entirely separate components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The strap attachment method merges the functions of cushion connection and structural reinforcement. The same straps that enable easy assembly also provide the stability needed for a secure backrest, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a convertible furniture system (1) and a method for optionally providing a chair (2) and a sleeping mat (3). It comprises a number of cushions (4) and at least two cushions (4) are hinged to each other to provide a cushion unit (5). At least one cushion (4) is a separate cushion (10), and the cushion unit (5) and the separate cushion (10) each include a number of sets (11) of straps (12). Each set (11) consists of two straps (12) placed on the cushions' side surfaces (9) diametrically opposite each other. The convertible piece of furniture (1) also includes a number of flexible ribbons (13) that are designed to slide into the straps (12). The ends of each ribbon (13) are arranged to lock each other in a position and thereby fix the cushions (4) in a defined position to provide a chair (2) or a sleeping mat (3).