Modular Furniture Connectors for Precise Bolt Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular furniture systems lack connectors that can securely align mirror-imaged components with bolt holes and receptacles in specific orientations to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly without tools or fasteners, limiting their versatility and stability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of connectors with extending tabs and recesses that are aligned in specific orientations to receive bolts, allowing for secure connection of furniture parts, including a third extension part that adds spacing and support, and a multiple connection joint for varied configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing modular furniture connectors are used, then assembly can be performed without tools, but the alignment precision and connection stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism consisting of a positioning protrusion on one connector that fits into a positioning recess on the mating connector. This intermediary feature guides the connectors into precise alignment before the bolt is inserted, enabling both tool-free assembly and high alignment precision without requiring manual adjustment or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning features where the positioning protrusion and recess automatically guide the connectors into correct orientation when brought together. The system serves itself by using the geometry of the connectors to achieve precise alignment without external intervention, maintaining both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
2Ease of operation
If existing modular furniture connectors are used, then assembly is simple, but the connection stability and structural strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single connector design: alignment guidance, bolt retention, and structural strengthening. The positioning protrusion and recess not only guide alignment but also provide additional structural rigidity when engaged, while the bolt hole positioning ensures optimal load distribution. This combination achieves both simple assembly and strong connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features (protrusion and recess) perform preliminary action by pre-positioning the connectors in the correct orientation before the bolt is inserted. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the bolt is tightened, the connection achieves maximum strength from the start, rather than requiring adjustment or repositioning that would compromise structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mirror-imaged connectors are used, then versatility for different configurations is improved, but the complexity of connector design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry through mirror-imaged connector designs where one connector has a positioning protrusion on one side while its mate has the corresponding recess on the opposite side. This asymmetric yet complementary design enables versatile configurations (different angles, orientations, and arrangements) while maintaining relatively simple individual connector geometries. Each connector remains simple in itself, but the pair achieves high versatility through their mirrored relationship.
Data Source
AI summary
On a first furniture part, a first connector having an extending tab with a bolt hole transversely therethrough and having a bolt receptacle partially therethrough as well as a recess located parallel with the extending tab; and on a second furniture part, a second connector identical to the first connector and having an extending tab with a bolt hole transversely therethrough and having a bolt receptacle partially therethrough as well as a recess located parallel with the extending tab, the spatial orientation of the second connector being rotated 180 degrees with respect to the first connector during connection of the first connector and the second connector such that the extending tab of the first connector is matable with the recess of the second connector with the bolt hole of the extending tab of the first connector in alignment with the bolt receptacle of the extending tab of the second connector to receive a first bolt, and the extending tab of the second connector is matable with the recess of the first connector with the bolt hole of the extending tab of the second connector in alignment with the bolt receptacle of the extending tab of the first connector to receive a second bolt such that the first furniture part and the second furniture part can be connected.