Cupboard Back Groove Mounting for Short-Slide Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture assembly methods require complex and non-intuitive processes, often requiring significant assembly distance and multiple configurations, making it difficult for consumers to assemble furniture reliably and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A simplified mounting system for attaching a cupboard back, where the back is slid a short distance and secured using protruding parts on the edges of the side pieces and the back, with grooves and rails facilitating a self-explanatory and single-configuration assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the back is slid a long distance corresponding to the height of the back, then the back can be securely attached to the side pieces, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the attachment function into two distinct components: a short sliding movement for positioning and a clicking action for securing. The protruding parts on the side pieces create discrete attachment points that segment the assembly process, allowing the back to be quickly positioned and securely fixed in separate rapid motions rather than requiring a long continuous sliding movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding parts on the side pieces are pre-positioned during manufacturing to define the exact attachment location. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for the user to slide the back a long distance to find the correct position, as the protruding parts guide and limit the sliding movement to a short distance only, with the clicking action providing immediate secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional mounting methods are used requiring significant assembly distance, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process becomes non-intuitive and difficult for consumers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding parts on the side pieces and the corresponding grooves on the back create a self-guiding attachment system. The protruding parts automatically align with and guide the back into the correct position during the short sliding movement, and the clicking action self-secures the attachment without requiring additional tools or complex maneuvers, making the process intuitive and easy for consumers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses tactile feedback through the clicking action to indicate successful attachment, analogous to visual color changes. The distinct clicking sound and tactile sensation provide immediate confirmation to the user that the back is securely attached, eliminating the need for long sliding movements or complex alignment procedures, thereby simplifying the operation while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If multiple assembly configurations are required, then secure attachment is achieved, but the assembly process loses its self-explanatory nature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protruding parts are positioned asymmetrically on the side pieces, with each protruding part located at a specific position to create a unique attachment configuration. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the back can only be attached in one correct orientation and position, eliminating the need for multiple assembly configurations while maintaining secure attachment through the clicking action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2770874B1A piece of furniture
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 IKEA SUPPLY AG
  • EP2770874B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2770874B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2770874B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention concerns a piece of furniture (1) having a first piece (4) attached to second and third pieces (2) being perpendicular to the first piece (4) and where two opposing edges (5) of the first piece (4) are attached to one of the second and third pieces (2) each. The edges (5) of the first piece (4) are received in a groove (10) of each of the second and third pieces (2), that the first piece (1) is perpendicular to the second and third pieces (2) and that the second and third pieces (2) are placed parallel to each other. The invention also concerns mounting of a back of a cupboard. The mounting is made in that two opposing vertical edges of the back is received in a vertical groove each at the edge of two side pieces, which two side pieces are arranged at the two opposing vertical edges of the back.