Coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling furniture accessories to furniture apparatuses are inefficient and lack effective electrical connectivity, leading to unreliable power transmission and operation of integrated components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an elongate body and retainer system where the elongate body is positioned between retaining bodies of a retainer on the furniture apparatus, allowing for secure mechanical coupling and electrical contact, enabling the transmission of power to electrical loads on the accessory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling methods are used to attach furniture accessories, then the accessory can be mounted, but the electrical connectivity is unreliable and power transmission is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical retention and electrical contact functions into a single integrated retainer structure. The retainer simultaneously secures the elongate body mechanically and establishes electrical connectivity through integrated contacts, eliminating the need for separate mechanical and electrical connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both mechanical retention and electrical connection tasks. This universal component handles multiple functions (securing, positioning, and electrical contact) that would traditionally require separate mechanisms, improving reliability while managing complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the elongate body is securely retained between retaining bodies, then mechanical stability is improved, but the electrical contact reliability deteriorates due to positioning variability
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the elongate body and the furniture apparatus. It provides a controlled interface that ensures both mechanical stability and consistent electrical contact positioning, eliminating the variability that would occur with direct coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems with a retainer-based system that uses elastic retention forces. This substitution allows for more precise positioning control and consistent electrical contact while maintaining mechanical stability, as the elastic retainer can accommodate minor variations while maintaining reliable contact.
3Strength
If the retainer uses elastic retaining bodies to secure the elongate body, then the coupling strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is manufactured as an integrated composite structure combining rigid support elements with elastic retaining bodies. This composite construction allows the single component to provide both strong mechanical retention and flexible positioning, achieving high coupling strength while simplifying manufacturing compared to assembling multiple separate parts.
4Use of energy by moving object
If electrical contacts are integrated into the retainer and elongate body, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the risk of electrical interference and short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact function is extracted as a distinct feature within the retainer structure, allowing it to be optimized separately from the mechanical retention function. This extraction enables the electrical contacts to be positioned and designed specifically for reliable power transmission while maintaining isolation from other components that could cause interference or short circuits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a secure and efficient mechanical and electrical connection, allowing for reliable operation of furniture accessories with integrated electrical components, such as motors and light sources, and enabling wireless charging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least two retaining bodies of a retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus such that the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus. One embodiment provides a method of electrically coupling at least one electrical contact on a furniture accessory to at least one electrical contact on a furniture apparatus. The method may comprise positioning a portion of an elongate body, coupled to the furniture apparatus, in a space between at least two retaining bodies of a retainer coupled to the furniture accessory such that the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space. Positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space may comprise electrically coupling at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus.