Furniture Component Mounting Using Single-Point Clamp Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional furniture systems require multiple fasteners for load and torque bearing connections, which can lead to torsional loading and complexity in mounting components like seats, arms, and power units on a single support beam, and often necessitate separate fixings for arms, increasing the risk of play and manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A furniture system with a longitudinally extending member and a component mounting system that uses a support member, clamp member, and fixing member, where the clamp member engages with an undercut formation on the beam to securely mount components without intermediate brackets, allowing for single-point fixing of arms and reduced torsional loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple fasteners are used for load and torque bearing connections, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and risk of play increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides load bearing, torque resistance, and positioning all through one clamping action rather than multiple separate fasteners. The single fixing member operates the clamp to achieve all connection requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member serves multiple purposes: it clamps the support member to the beam, provides torque bearing capability through its engagement with the beam, and eliminates the need for intermediate mounting brackets. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate mounting brackets are used, then mounting flexibility is improved, but the number of fasteners and connection points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the intermediate mounting bracket from the assembly, allowing the clamp member to engage directly with the beam. This extraction eliminates the extra connection interface and reduces the total number of fasteners required while maintaining mounting flexibility through the adjustable clamp design.
3Measurement precision
If separate fixings are used for arms, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member provides both positioning and securing functions in a single operation. By clamping the support member directly to the beam at the desired location, the system achieves accurate arm positioning without requiring multiple separate fixings, thereby reducing cumulative tolerance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture system has a longitudinally extending member (2), a component (4) comprising a mounting member (10) and a component mounting system for mounting the component (4) on the longitudinally extending member (2). The component mounting system includes a support member (7), a clamp member (11) and a fixing member (12). In use, the support member (7) is adapted to be located between the component (4) and the longitudinally extending member (2). The fixing member (12) extends through the clamp member (11) and the support member (7) to engage with the component mounting member (10). Engaging the fixing member (12) with the component mounting member (10) causes the clamp member (11) to engage with an engagement formation (24) on the longitudinally extending member (2) to clamp the support member (7) between the longitudinally extending member (2) and the component (4) to mount the component (4) on the longitudinally extending member (2).