Knock-Down Furniture Bracket Assembly for Compact Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully assembled furniture shipping methods result in large packaging voids and perceived strength deficiencies in consumer-assembled knock-down furniture, which are not as stable or long-lasting as factory-assembled joints.
Innovation Solution
A partially assembled furniture design featuring a base component with coiled springs and strategically positioned brackets that allow for secure and stable connection of components during assembly, enabling compact packaging and user-friendly assembly without compromising strength or longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If furniture is shipped fully assembled, then no assembly is required by end users, but packaging voids increase shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture is divided into multiple components that can be separated for compact packaging. The base assembly includes a seat portion, backrest portion, and armrest portions that can be individually packaged, reducing overall packaging volume while allowing easy reassembly at the destination.
2Stability of the object's composition
If base assembly is permanently attached, then furniture structure is stable, but packaging efficiency decreases due to increased volume
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the base assembly and seat portion transitions from a fixed permanent attachment to a dynamic state where components can be separated and reconnected. This allows the furniture to be compact during shipping and stable during use, resolving the contradiction between stability and packaging efficiency.
3Volume of stationary object
If components are assembled by consumers, then shipping volume is reduced, but joint strength and stability are perceived as weaker
Solution Approach 1:
A connection assembly with brackets and fasteners serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables strong, reliable joints between components. This intermediary system allows consumer assembly while maintaining joint strength comparable to factory assembly, addressing the perception that consumer-assembled joints are weaker.
4Strength
If multiple brackets and fasteners are used for assembly, then joint strength is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly uses standardized brackets and fasteners that serve multiple functions: providing structural strength, enabling easy assembly and disassembly, and ensuring proper alignment. This universal design approach maintains joint strength while simplifying the assembly process through consistent, multi-functional components.
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 compact and efficient shipping while ensuring the assembled furniture is as strong and stable as fully factory-assembled pieces, alleviating concerns about consumer-assembled joints, and allowing for easy disassembly for storage or reassembly.
Implementation Method 1
A first support frame is coupled to the base component by a pair of spaced apart springs securing the first support frame in spaced apart relationship to the base component
Data Source
AI summary
A ready to assemble article of furniture includes a connecting assembly to enable shipment of the article in a partially assembled condition. By the use of the connecting assembly, the user can quickly assemble the article of furniture. The connecting assembly includes brackets which are attached to the disassembled components of the article of furniture. The brackets are mateable with each other during the assembly process to secure the components together.