Modular Furniture Base Locking Profile for Flexible Box Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular furniture systems are limited in design variation as box-shaped elements must be connected directly to each other, preventing spacing and offering restricted flexibility in creating different furniture configurations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a continuous C-shaped or double C-shaped locking profile on furniture bases that allow box-shaped elements to be arranged at any point and locked with a twisting locking element, enabling spacing and increased stability, storage, and visual appeal, along with guide sleeves for easy handling and adjustable foot elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If box-shaped elements are connected directly to each other in a uniform grid, then the manufacturing and assembly process is simple, but the design variation and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces furniture bases as intermediary elements between box-shaped elements. These bases provide continuous locking profiles that enable flexible positioning of boxes at any point along the base, rather than requiring direct grid-based connections. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple assembly through standardized bases while enabling unlimited design variation through free-positioning of boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the furniture structure into three distinct components: furniture bases, locking elements, and box-shaped elements. The continuous locking profile on the bases is segmented into multiple positioning points, allowing boxes to be independently positioned at various locations. This segmentation enables design flexibility while keeping each component relatively simple to manufacture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If box-shaped elements are spaced apart from each other, then the design flexibility and storage options increase, but the structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple boxes with a common furniture base through the continuous locking profile. Even when boxes are spaced apart, they are all locked to the same base structure, creating a unified and stable assembly. The base acts as a common foundation that provides structural integrity to the entire furniture system, resolving the stability concern while maintaining spacing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The furniture bases are pre-equipped with continuous locking profiles before the boxes are attached. This preliminary preparation of the locking mechanism allows boxes to be easily positioned and locked at any desired location without compromising stability, as the locking capability is already integrated into the base structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a continuous locking profile is used on furniture bases, then the positioning flexibility of box-shaped elements is maximized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous locking profile on furniture bases serves multiple functions: it provides positioning guidance for boxes, acts as a locking mechanism when combined with locking elements, and serves as a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving maximum positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking profile is designed to work with simple locking elements that can be easily inserted and rotated into place. The system is designed to be self-explanatory and self-assembling, where the continuous profile naturally guides the locking elements into the correct positions, reducing the need for complex assembly procedures or additional alignment mechanisms.
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 design significantly enhances the variability of furniture systems, providing increased stability, additional storage, and aesthetic appeal by allowing box-shaped elements to be spaced apart, easily reconfigured, and integrated with versatile locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element can then be inserted into the locking profile in a twisted position and locked by twisting
Implementation Method 2
The locking element has a latching projection on both sides at the front end engaging in the locking profile, which allows insertion into or locking in the locking profile by rotating the locking element
Data Source
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AI summary
The system has box-shaped elements (2-5) releasably connectable with one another and provided with a furniture bottom (6). The furniture bottom comprises a double C-shaped locking profile (7) along a longitudinal extension. A locking element releasably engages into the locking profile through an aperture in upper and/or lower walls of the box-shaped elements. The furniture bottom comprises partial bottoms that are connected together along a longitudinal direction by the locking profile, where a depth of the furniture bottom corresponds to the respective box-shaped element.