Furniture part comprising function element

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture part functional elements are difficult to assemble and disassemble without tools, often damage the surface, and require special precautions, making it hard to exchange or remove logos or information without causing damage or leaving a visible defect.

Innovation Solution

The furniture part functional element features sliding guide means for precise placement and elastically flexible clamping fingers that allow for tool-free assembly and disassembly, with the clamping mechanism hidden from view, enabling easy exchange and removal without damaging the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive elements or imprints are used to attach functional elements, then the functional element is securely attached to the furniture part, but the surface is damaged or no longer closed and the functional element cannot be removed without destruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidremovability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means is divided into separate components: a fastening section with clamping fingers on the functional element, and a guide section with corresponding guide grooves on the furniture part. This segmentation allows the functional element to be attached and detached without damaging the furniture part surface, as the clamping mechanism engages with the guide section rather than bonding to the visible surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping fingers are positioned to engage with the guide section in a non-visible area, applying local clamping force only where needed for secure attachment. The visible surface area remains unaffected and undamaged, while the fastening section provides sufficient attachment strength through localized elastic clamping action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a recess is milled into the outer surface to attach a plaque, then the functional element can be securely attached, but the surface is damaged and requires special precautions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is extracted from the visible surface area and positioned in a non-visible area of the furniture part. The clamping fingers engage with the guide section behind or below the visible surface, eliminating the need to mill recesses into the outer surface while still providing secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If special fastening tools are required for assembly and disassembly, then the functional element can be securely attached, but the process becomes complex and tools are not always available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping fingers are designed with elastic flexibility that allows them to automatically engage with the guide section when the functional element is inserted, and to release when manual pressure is applied. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for special fastening tools, as the elastic clamping action performs both assembly and disassembly functions through simple manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If the functional element is permanently attached, then it remains securely in position, but it cannot be easily exchanged for other functional elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidexchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic reversible connection. The elastic clamping fingers can engage to provide stable positioning during use, and can be easily disengaged by manual pressure to allow exchange of the functional element, adapting between stable attachment and easy replacement states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 tool-free assembly and disassembly, maintains the integrity of the visible surface, and allows for easy replacement of logos or information without damaging the furniture part, ensuring seamless integration and removal without leaving a visible defect.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping means have at least one, in particular several, elastically flexible clamping fingers which can be elastically bent back when the functional element is pushed on and then lie in a clamping position in clamping contact with the guide section of the furniture part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3050464B1Furniture part comprising function element

Publication Date: 2017.12.27 GRASS GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

In a furniture part functional element (18) for displaying decoration or information, in particular in the form of logos or the like, with a flat information section (26) and a fastening section (28) equipped with fastening means (40) for fastening to the furniture part (12) , the fastening means (40) of the fastening section (28) comprise sliding guide means (38), via which sliding onto a guide section (24) of the furniture part (12) is possible, and clamping means (42), via which the functional element (18) pushed on to the Guide section (24) is held in a clamping manner.