Leg reinforcement clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chair structures lack effective load distribution mechanisms to efficiently transfer loads to supporting surfaces, leading to potential structural instability and damage.

Innovation Solution

A leg reinforcement clamp comprising a chair structure with first and second gusset structures forming a load path, a base structure with face channels and latches, and a lid structure that encloses and braces the gussets, creating a robust load transfer mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If existing chair structures are used without reinforcement mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the structural stability and load-bearing capacity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement clamp is divided into separate modular components including a base structure with face channels, a lid structure with enclosing walls, and detachable gusset members. This segmentation allows the reinforcement system to be assembled in stages and provides multiple attachment points for the gussets, thereby improving structural stability without requiring an overly complex monolithic design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gusset members are designed to be inserted into and nested within the face channels of the base structure and lid structure. This nesting arrangement allows the gussets to be securely held within the clamp assembly, providing structural reinforcement while maintaining a compact integrated form that does not excessively increase overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a simple base structure is used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the load distribution capability and durability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechair lifespanVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure and lid structure are pre-formed with face channels and latch mechanisms during manufacturing. These preliminary structural features are built into the clamp assembly before use, allowing gussets to be easily attached later without requiring complex field fabrication. This preliminary preparation extends the chair's service life while keeping the initial manufacturing process manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure and lid structure are designed with specific geometric parameters including the configuration of face channels, latch positions, and wall thicknesses that optimize load distribution. By carefully selecting these structural parameters during the design phase, the clamp provides enhanced durability and load-bearing capacity while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized dimensional relationships

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If no load path mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is low, but the load transfer efficiency and structural reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement clamp merges multiple structural functions into a single integrated assembly: the base structure provides attachment surfaces and load distribution, the lid structure provides enclosure and additional bracing, and the gusset members provide rigid reinforcement. By combining these elements into one unified clamp assembly rather than separate components, the design achieves high structural reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The face channels and latch structures act as intermediary elements that mediate the connection between the gusset members and the chair legs. These intermediaries provide standardized attachment interfaces that efficiently transfer loads between the gussets and the chair structure, thereby improving load transfer efficiency and structural reliability without requiring complex custom fabrication for each connection point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If the gusset structures are not enclosed and braced, then the ease of assembly is high, but the structural strength and load-bearing capacity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid structure and base structure provide localized enclosure and bracing precisely where the gusset members need reinforcement. The enclosing walls of the lid structure and the face channels of the base structure are positioned to provide structural support at critical load-bearing points rather than requiring complete enclosure of the entire gusset assembly. This localized approach enhances structural strength while minimizing the added complexity of the enclosing structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12538981B1Leg reinforcement clamp
Publication Date: 2026.02.03 CARRICK TIMOTHY
  • US12538981B1 patent drawing
  • US12538981B1 patent drawing
  • US12538981B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A leg reinforcement clamp is an accessory for a chair. The leg reinforcement clamp incorporates a chair structure, a base structure, and a lid structure. The chair structure further incorporates a first gusset structure and a second gusset structure. The first gusset structure and the second gusset structure are load bearing structures. The first gusset structure and the second gusset structure forms a load path that transfers a portion of the load borne by the bench to a supporting surface. The lid structure attaches to the base structure. The lid structure encloses the first gusset structure and the second gusset structure within the base structure. The base structure and the lid structure combine to brace the first gusset structure to the second gusset structure.