Furniture Panel Assembly With Integrated Connective Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly methods require skilled craftsmen and tools, and there is a need for solutions that enable easy, flexible, and tool-free assembly of furniture elements to meet user demands for adaptability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a connective element between sheets of board material, which can receive mating connective elements for connecting remote furniture elements, allowing for easy and flexible assembly, and incorporating features like snap locks, bayonet locks, and hooks for secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional furniture assembly methods (gluing, nailing, screwing) are used, then joint strength is achieved, but assembly requires skilled craftsmen and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture element is divided into separate functional components: board material sheets and integrated connective elements. The connective elements are pre-formed with specific connection means (protrusions, recesses, locking mechanisms) that segment the assembly task into simple insertion and locking actions, eliminating the need for traditional joining tools and skills while maintaining joint strength through dedicated connection geometry
Solution Approach 2:
Connective elements serve as intermediary components between board material sheets. These intermediaries contain the complex connection geometry (protrusions, recesses, locking features) that enables strong joints without requiring the user to perform complex joining operations. The intermediary absorbs the technical complexity, leaving only simple assembly actions for the user
2Adaptability or versatility
If furniture is made as fixed units, then manufacturing is simplified, but user adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Furniture is segmented into modular elements (sheets and connective elements) that can be independently configured. Each element maintains simple manufacturing, while the system achieves adaptability through combinatorial assembly of standardized components with multiple connection points and orientations
Solution Approach 2:
Connective elements are designed with universal connection means that can accommodate multiple assembly configurations. The same connective element type can connect different sheet orientations and positions, enabling users to adapt furniture layouts without requiring specialized components for each configuration
3Ease of manufacture
If connective elements are integrated between board sheets, then assembly is simplified and strengthened, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Connection means (protrusions, recesses, locking features) are pre-formed on connective elements during their manufacturing process, before assembly with board sheets. This preliminary formation of connection geometry ensures precise fit and function, while the board sheets themselves can be manufactured with standard precision using conventional processes
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 efficient, accurate, and reliable assembly of furniture elements with improved joint strength and product quality, facilitating modular construction and user adaptability without requiring extensive tools or expertise.
Implementation Method 1
a supporting structure arranged on one of said sheets by means of an adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 2c~3b
Figure 3c~4
AI summary
A furniture element (100) comprising a first sheet of board material (102), a second sheet of board material (104) arranged with the first sheet to form a structure of the furniture element, and a connective element (106) is disclosed. The connective element has at least a part thereof arranged between the first and second sheet material such that when, arranging the first sheet, the second sheet and the connective element, the first sheet, the second sheet and the connective element become integral parts of the furniture element, and the connective element is arranged to receive mating connective elements for connection of remote furniture elements. An automated method of manufacturing such a furniture element is also disclosed.