Furniture top structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Furniture tops with fixed dimensions are difficult to handle, ship, and move, and existing expandable tops are heavy and limited in their ability to increase usable surface area.

Innovation Solution

A modular furniture top composed of interconnected units that can be reconfigured to change size and shape by adding or removing modules, using half-lap joints and epicyclic units with pivotable lobes for easy assembly and disassembly without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a single rigid unit with fixed dimensions is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of handling deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The furniture top is divided into multiple modular units that can be independently handled and assembled. Each module maintains structural integrity through internal rigid connections, while the overall system gains adaptability through the ability to combine modules in different configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The furniture top transitions from a static fixed-configuration structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Modules can be added, removed, or rearranged to change the overall shape and size, allowing the structure to adapt to different spatial requirements while maintaining stability through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If expandable mechanisms are used to increase surface area, then adaptability is improved, but weight and device complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveexpandabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The expandable functionality is achieved through separate modular units rather than a single heavy mechanism. Each module is a lightweight independent component that can be easily added or removed, eliminating the need for complex heavy-duty expansion mechanisms while maintaining the ability to increase surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular units serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable expansion, and facilitate easy assembly/disassembly. The standardized connection interfaces allow the same modules to be used in various configurations, replacing the need for specialized heavy mechanisms with versatile lightweight components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If heavy mechanisms are used for expansion, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation and shipping deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The furniture top is segmented into multiple modular units that can be easily handled and transported separately. Each module maintains its structural integrity through internal rigid connections, while the overall stability is achieved through standardized connection interfaces that ensure proper alignment and secure assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static heavy structure to a dynamic modular assembly. The standardized connection mechanisms enable easy assembly and disassembly operations, allowing users to confidently assemble and disassemble the furniture without requiring heavy-duty mechanisms or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If a single rigid unit is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and reconfigurability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidreconfigurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The furniture top is manufactured as multiple identical or similar modular units rather than a single custom-shaped piece. This standardization simplifies the manufacturing process through repetition and modular assembly, while the ability to combine modules in different arrangements provides extensive reconfigurability for various design configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular units are designed with universal connection interfaces that work across all modules, simplifying manufacturing through standardized components. These same universal interfaces enable the modules to be reconfigured into various arrangements, providing reconfigurability without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250311844A1Furniture top structure

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 STEWART SCOTT

AI summary

A table top can include a first table leaf and a second table leaf configured to define a half-lap joint with the first table leaf. The first table leaf and the second table leaf can be configured to form a planar top surface of the table top when coupled to form the half-lap joint. Each one of the first table leaf and the second table leaf can include an upper lobe, a lower lobe, and a pin rotatably connecting the upper lobe and the lower lobe.