Furniture Arch Assembly with Flat-Pack Grooved Panel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for ready-to-assemble furniture with arched designs that can be shipped in a flat configuration to minimize shipping costs and volumetric footprint, as traditional right-angled furniture components do not efficiently accommodate arched shapes.
Innovation Solution
A furniture arch assembly comprising first and second arch members with grooved inner surfaces and a flexible connecting panel that can be assembled into a three-dimensional arch configuration, using grooved surfaces to securely hold the connecting panel and additional stabilizing members for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If furniture is shipped as pre-fabricated three-dimensional objects, then the structural integrity and design quality are maintained, but the shipping cost and volumetric footprint become prohibitively expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture is divided into multiple flat components that can be shipped separately in a compact configuration and then assembled into the final three-dimensional arch structure. This segmentation allows the furniture to be transported efficiently while maintaining design quality through proper component integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The furniture components are designed to be flat during shipping (two-dimensional configuration) and then transformed into a three-dimensional arch structure through assembly. This dimensional transformation enables compact shipping while achieving the desired structural integrity and design quality in the final assembled state.
2Volume of moving object
If ready-to-assemble furniture components are made flat for shipping, then the shipping cost is reduced, but the ability to create arched designs is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flat components are designed with curved edges and grooved surfaces that guide their assembly into an arched configuration. The curvature is built into the component geometry, allowing flat pieces to be shipped compactly while still enabling the creation of arched designs when assembled according to the instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The arch structure is segmented into multiple flat components with specific curved geometries. Each component has grooved surfaces and shaped edges that facilitate their assembly into the final arched form, resolving the conflict between flat shipping requirements and arched design capabilities.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple flat components are shipped for assembly, then the volumetric footprint is minimized, but the structural integrity during assembly may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Grooved surfaces are provided on the flat components that act as intermediaries during assembly. These grooves guide the connection between components and provide structural alignment, ensuring that the assembled furniture maintains structural integrity while still allowing compact flat packaging for shipping.
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
Enables the assembly of arched furniture components in a flat state for shipping, reducing shipping costs and allowing for the creation of arched structures with additional storage spaces, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting panel has sufficient flexibility such that the rectangular connecting panel may be held in a curved arch position
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture arch assembly that can be shipped in a flat state and then assembled in a three-dimensional configuration by an individual by flexing a flat arched panel so that it forms an arch and then securing the arched panel within grooved surfaces on a first and second arch members, and in some embodiments first and second panel holders.