Crossmember with Offset Locking Claws for Tool-Free Furniture Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular furniture systems require time-consuming disassembly and reassembly, posing safety risks and are often avoided due to inefficiency, especially in environments needing frequent reconfiguration.

Innovation Solution

A truss set with crossbeams and locking claws that allow for easy assembly, modification, and disassembly of furniture without specialized tools, using a truss set with at least two trusses and a furniture kit, including crossbeams, floor ladders, and wind bracing, enabling secure connections and flexible reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional modular furniture systems are used, then furniture can be assembled in various configurations, but assembly and disassembly are time-consuming and require specialized tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefurniture reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The furniture system is divided into modular components (crossbeams with locking claws, rod-shaped elements) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each crossbeam is segmented into a rod section and locking claws, allowing rapid connection without tools by simply engaging the claws onto the rod-shaped elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking claws are designed to automatically lock onto rod-shaped elements without requiring external tools or specialized assembly procedures. The self-latching mechanism enables users to assemble and reconfigure furniture quickly by simply connecting components together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional modular furniture systems are used, then furniture can be reconfigured frequently, but safety risks increase due to improper assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefurniture reconfiguration frequencyVSAvoidfurniture stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking claws are pre-designed with specific geometric features (gripping sections, offset positions) that ensure proper engagement with rod-shaped elements. This preliminary design of the connection geometry guarantees stable and safe assembly whenever components are connected according to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

All locking claws in the system use the same design principles and connection mechanisms, ensuring consistent assembly quality and stability across all furniture configurations. The uniform design reduces the risk of improper assembly regardless of how frequently the furniture is reconfigured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional modular furniture systems are used, then furniture can be assembled in different shapes, but the assembly process becomes complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefurniture shape variabilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The crossbeams with locking claws are designed as universal components that can connect to rod-shaped elements in multiple orientations and configurations. The same basic component design serves multiple functions, allowing furniture to be assembled in various shapes without requiring different specialized tools or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4064940B1Crossmember set, and furniture kit
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 VITRA
  • EP4064940B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4064940B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4064940B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a crossmember (3) comprising an elongate rod section (31) and two locking claws (32). The rod section (31) has a central longitudinal axis, a first longitudinal end, and a second longitudinal end substantially opposite the first longitudinal end. The first locking claw (32) is arranged on the first longitudinal end of the rod section (31), and the second locking claw (32) is arranged on the second longitudinal end of the rod section (31). The first locking claw (32) and the second locking claw (32) each has a surrounding section (321) shaped correspondingly to a rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52) and is designed to be installed on the rod-shaped element (22, 31, 52) without tools. The surrounding section (321) of the first locking claw (32) is offset to the surrounding section (321) of the second locking claw (32) in relation to the central longitudinal axis of the rod section (31).