Pre-mounted furniture module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pre-mounted furniture modules face challenges in achieving a robust and rigid connection between panels while allowing for flexible folding, as the adhesive used in previous solutions must be both strong and flexible, which is difficult to achieve effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of a separate hinge member attached to both panels, featuring connection elements such as dowels and radially expandable cylindrical parts, allows for robust and rigid connections while enabling folding by 250-270°, with chamfered folding sides and support means to ensure a perpendicular configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesive is used to connect panels, then the connection allows folding movement, but the connection strength and rigidity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two functional parts: a rigid connection element (dowel, screw, or cam) that provides structural strength, and a separate adhesive layer that enables folding movement. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between panels combines mechanical fastening (rigid element) with chemical bonding (adhesive), creating a composite connection system that exhibits both strength and flexibility properties that neither material could provide alone.
2Strength
If strong adhesive is used to form rigid connection, then connection strength is improved, but flexibility for folding is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two functional parts: a rigid connection element (dowel, screw, or cam) that provides structural strength, and a separate adhesive layer that enables folding movement. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is applied in a controlled manner with specific parameters (thin layers, selective positioning) that allow it to maintain bond strength while permitting the necessary folding movement range of 250-270 degrees.
3Volume of moving object
If panels are folded by 270° to form perpendicular corner shape, then the furniture module achieves compact configuration for transport, but the connection must withstand high stress
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements (dowels, screws, or cams) are pre-installed in the hinge member before the folding operation, ensuring that the mechanical connection is already in place to withstand the stresses of the 270-degree folding operation and subsequent use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between panels combines mechanical fastening (rigid element) with chemical bonding (adhesive), creating a composite connection system that exhibits both strength and flexibility properties that neither material could provide alone.
4Strength
If separate hinge member with connection elements is used, then connection strength and rigidity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the rotational axis for folding, incorporates the connection elements for rigid attachment, and positions the adhesive application points. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge member serves multiple purposes: it acts as a structural connector, a folding mechanism, and a positioning element for the panels. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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 stable and robust corner shape with enhanced folding capabilities, allowing for easy assembly and storage, while maintaining a compact package size, and can be applied to various furniture pieces like drawers and cabinets.
Implementation Method 1
The connection element may comprise a cylindrical part to be positioned into a mating recess of the panel, which cylindrical part being radially expandable. The connection element may for such embodiment further comprise a pin being configured to be inserted into said cylindrical part in order to radially expand said cylindrical part.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A furniture module for forming part of a piece of furniture is provided. The furniture module comprises a first panel (102), a second panel (104), and at least one hinge member (120) having at least one connection element (140), whereby the hinge member (120) is arranged to be attached to at least one of the panels (102, 104) by means of said connection element (140). The hinge element (120) is configured to allow the first and second panels (102, 104) to be folded relative each other by approximately 270° between a folded, and flat, shape, and an erected corner shape, wherein the hinge member (120) is arranged on the exterior side of the corner shape.