configurable furniture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional furniture lacks adaptability and multi-functionality, failing to efficiently transition between different uses such as changing tables and desks without significant reconfiguration or additional storage solutions.

Innovation Solution

A scalable piece of furniture comprising interlocking panels that can rearrange to form either a changing table or a desk, utilizing composite materials like MDF and OSB, with a third panel enhancing stability and allowing for retention of most elements during transformation, and incorporating additional storage through a fourth panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional furniture is designed for a single function, then manufacturing and design are simple, but adaptability and multi-functionality are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The furniture is divided into separate modular components including a base unit, a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel that can be connected and reconfigured. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned to create different functional arrangements while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The furniture system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single set of components. The same base unit, panels, and connecting elements can be arranged to create different furniture configurations, eliminating the need for separate single-function furniture pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If furniture elements are retained during transformation, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-useVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The third panel is pre-positioned to connect the lower parts of the base unit and second panel before the final configuration is assembled. This preliminary structural connection ensures stability is established early in the assembly process and maintained throughout transformations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the furniture have specialized connection points and structural features optimized for their specific roles. The third panel specifically reinforces the lower structure, while other connection points are designed for panel attachment, allowing each local area to contribute to overall stability in its optimal configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2832261B1configurable furniture

Publication Date: 2017.01.04 SAUTHON INDS

AI summary

The invention relates to evolving furniture capable of being arranged according to a first and a second arrangement comprising a box (4) which comprises at least one compartment (6), a first panel (8) which is arranged, according to the first arrangement, horizontally above said box (4) and, according to the second arrangement, vertically, opposite and at a distance from one of the sides of the box (4), a second panel (10) which is arranged, according to the first arrangement, vertically and facing one of the sides of the box (4) and perpendicular to said first panel (8), and, according to the second arrangement, horizontally, and is connected perpendicular to said first panel (8), the first panel (8) in the first arrangement and the second panel (10) in the second arrangement form a platform.