Furniture frame system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture frame systems lack ease of assembly and sufficient mechanical strength, often requiring tools and resulting in less rigid connections.
Innovation Solution
A furniture frame system featuring L-shaped sheet metal beams with inclined connector interfaces, including male and female connectors with wedges and a locking mechanism, allowing for quick assembly without tools and providing strong, rigid engagement between beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional furniture frame systems are used, then assembly may be simple, but the mechanical strength and rigidity of the connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate male and female interfaces with distinct functional elements (abutment faces, locking faces, slots, engagement edges). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall connection strength without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector interfaces are designed with pre-configured geometric features (inclined guide lines, positioning slots, engagement edges) that automatically guide the assembly process and ensure proper alignment before final locking occurs, eliminating the need for additional alignment tools or steps.
2Ease of operation
If traditional furniture frame systems are used, then assembly may require tools for precision, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector interfaces are designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through their geometric features. The inclined guide lines and engagement edges automatically guide the male connector into the female connector and secure it in place without requiring external tools, hands, or additional fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-configured geometric features (slots, engagement edges, inclined surfaces) perform the alignment and positioning functions in advance during the design phase, so that during assembly, the components simply need to be brought together and will automatically engage correctly, dramatically reducing assembly time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If simple connector interfaces are used, then assembly is quick, but the mechanical stability and rigidity of the connection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female connector interfaces are designed with asymmetric geometric features (inclined guide lines at specific angles, non-symmetric slot orientations, complementary engagement edges) that create a stable, rigid connection through precise geometric interlocking, preventing relative movement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Strength
If multiple fastening elements are used to increase strength, then the mechanical strength improves, but the assembly process becomes more complex and tool-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions (alignment, positioning, locking, and rigid connection) are merged into a single integrated connector interface design. The geometric features work together as a unified system to achieve strong, stable connections without requiring multiple separate fastening elements or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector interface performs multiple functions (alignment, securing, and locking) automatically through its geometric design, eliminating the need for external tools or multiple manual fastening operations. The single interface design maintains simplicity while achieving the cumulative effect of multiple fastening elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture frame system comprises a first sheet metal beam comprising a first connector interface and a second sheet metal beam comprising a second connector. One of said first and second connector interfaces is a male connector interface, and the other of said first and second connector interfaces is a female connector interface. The female connector interface comprising a slider engagement edge. The male connector comprises a slot slider face configured to engage with and guide, or be guided by, the slider engagement edge. At least one of said slider engagement edge and said slot slider face defines a connector guide line for guiding the second connector along the abutment plane, which guide line is inclined relative to an axial end edge.