Furniture article with interchangeable panel set

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture systems require modification or specialized construction to accommodate interchangeable panels, which hinders efficient assembly and aesthetic customization due to visible attachment systems and structural support issues.

Innovation Solution

A display system featuring an overlaying panelar frame with elongated fasteners that securely affix a stack of interchangeable panels to a furniture component, allowing for tool-less operation and concealment of the fastening mechanism, enabling easy rearrangement and customization without visible slots or modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If interchangeable panels are integrated into furniture components by positioning the panel against the frame with a backing attached to maintain the panel, then the panel can be securely held, but the attachment system becomes visible and obvious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel retentionVSAvoidvisible attachment system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the visible backing and attachment system from the front view by extracting the functional elements to the rear of the panel. The frame members engage the panel edges from the back, allowing the front surface to remain clean and uninterrupted while maintaining secure retention through rear-mounted engagement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces frame members as intermediary elements that connect the furniture structure to the interchangeable panel. These frame members serve as mediators that provide secure attachment while remaining concealed or minimally visible, allowing the panel to be held firmly without exposing the attachment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If slots are cut in the frame to allow panels to be slid in, then panel installation is simplified, but the frame requires modification and the attachment system becomes visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel installationVSAvoidmodified frame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the frame into separate frame members that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows the frame to be constructed without requiring slots or openings, as the panel is held by the arrangement and engagement of multiple frame member portions that can be assembled around the panel edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of cutting slots in the frame to receive panels, the patent inverts the approach by having the panel fit within a framework formed by the frame members. The frame members are positioned to create a retaining structure that holds the panel in place without requiring openings or modifications to the frame itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If a single part is used in several furniture item lines to emphasize efficient construction, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but accommodating interchangeable panels requires specially constructed or modified components that form a bottleneck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidpanel accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the frame members as universal components that can be used across multiple furniture item lines and configurations. The same frame member design can accommodate different panel sizes and types while maintaining the same attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for specially constructed components for each furniture line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic and flexible frame structure where the frame members can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured. This allows the same frame components to adapt to different panel requirements and furniture configurations without requiring modification, maintaining assembly efficiency while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11071383B1Furniture article with interchangeable panel set

Publication Date: 2021.07.27 ASHLEY FURNITURE IND INC

AI summary

Furniture, such as a bed, dresser, cabinetry has a display system affixing a stack of interchangeable decorative panels to the furniture. The display system has an overlaying panelar frame that captures the stack of panels and has at least one elongated fastener securing the overlaying panelar frame on to a surface of the furniture item. The stack of interchangeable panels are each visually different such as having different colors and/or patterns and can be sandwiched between the overlaying panelar frame and the mounting surface in a pocket to immovably maintain the interchangeable panels against the furniture component. The stack of interchangeable panels can be rearranged such that a different panel is placed on top of the stack or the outermost position and thereby be visible through the opening in the overlaying panelar frame.