Modular Bench Plank Assembly Using Two-Piece Friction Pockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacture, assembly, repair, and maintenance of traditional benches are cumbersome due to the need for individual plank fastening, which requires extensive hardware and can lead to rigidity, discomfort, and difficulties in replacing or repairing planks without disrupting the entire structure.
Innovation Solution
The use of modular two-piece support pockets that allow planks to be inserted and removed without fasteners, enabling flexibility and easy assembly, while venting features prevent component deterioration from pressure and humidity differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual planks are fastened or bolted between supporting legs, then the planks are securely retained in position, but the assembly and repair process becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple support members, each with separate pockets. This segmentation allows individual planks to be independently inserted and removed without affecting other planks, eliminating the need for complex fastening systems while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening hardware is completely removed from the system. Instead of using bolts or screws to secure planks, the invention extracts the fastening function entirely by using friction-fit pockets that retain planks through their geometry alone, dramatically simplifying both assembly and repair.
2Reliability
If individual planks are fastened tightly to supports, then the planks are securely positioned, but the planks become relatively rigid and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket design allows planks to have controlled movement within the support structure. The pockets are dimensioned to provide friction-based retention while permitting slight flexing and adjustment, creating a dynamic system that adapts to user weight and movement rather than rigidly constraining the planks.
3Ease of manufacture
If planks are inserted into pockets of supports, then assembly is simplified, but all planks must be simultaneously inserted making individual replacement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent support members, each with its own pockets. This segmentation creates independent access points for each plank, allowing individual planks to be removed and replaced without requiring removal of other planks or disassembly of the entire support structure.
4Reliability
If fasteners are exposed to secure planks, then the planks are securely fastened, but wear and tear, unauthorized disassembly, and snagging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening hardware is completely removed from the system. The invention extracts the fastening function entirely by using friction-fit pockets that retain planks through their geometry alone, eliminating exposed fasteners and their associated problems of wear, unauthorized disassembly, and snagging hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
A bench and frame component for holding individual planks to be used in a sitting bench where fastening an individual plank to the frame can be avoided. The frame is configured to allow a plank to be received in a holding pocket defined by an upper pocket piece and a lower pocket piece. The upper pocket piece may be connected to and removed from the lower pocket piece. The lower pocket piece may include a series of pocket segments and when connected with the upper pocket piece form a series of two-piece holding pockets for receiving a plurality of planks. The frame component is combined with other components and planks to form a bench. The bench may comprise individual bench sections that connect with similar modular sections to form a sectional bench.