Modular self-locking chair with interlocking joint system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chairs require multiple fasteners and tools for assembly, leading to complexity, potential loss of components, environmental waste, and structural instability over time, especially in high-traffic areas, necessitating frequent maintenance and posing safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking chair design using a precision-engineered interlocking system with flexible joints and interlocking mechanisms, composed of recycled high-density polyethylene plastic, allowing components to snap together without mechanical fasteners, ensuring stability and ease of assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners and multiple components are used for chair assembly, then structural stability can be achieved, but assembly complexity increases and environmental waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fastening components into a single integrated interlocking joint system. The male and female joints integrate positioning, locking, and securing functions that traditionally required multiple separate fasteners, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates traditional fasteners (screws, bolts, nuts, adhesives) from the chair assembly system, replacing them with a self-contained interlocking joint mechanism. This removal of extraneous components simplifies assembly while the interlocking design ensures structural integrity.
2Strength
If traditional mechanical fasteners are used, then strong connections are achieved, but fasteners loosen over time requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking joint system incorporates dynamic locking mechanisms that automatically adjust and tighten under load. The male and female joints feature self-tightening elements that respond to applied forces, ensuring the connection maintains or enhances its strength over time rather than loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint system is designed to self-lock and self-adjust without external intervention. The interlocking mechanism automatically secures itself when assembled and maintains its connection through self-tightening features, eliminating the need for periodic maintenance or tightening.
3Strength
If multiple fasteners and hardware components are used, then assembly strength is ensured, but environmental waste and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional fasteners and hardware components from the assembly system, replacing them with an integrated interlocking joint design. This extraction eliminates the need for separate metal fasteners, adhesives, and other hardware that would become waste, reducing material consumption and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking joint system appears to use uniform material construction for the male and female joints, potentially using the same material as the chair components themselves. This homogeneity eliminates the need for dissimilar fastener materials, simplifying recycling and reducing the environmental impact of material diversity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular self-locking chair includes two vertical frames comprising of a flexible joint attached at the top of the first and second vertical frames. The chair may include two horizontal frames each including two joint frames and an indentation on an intermediate underside section of one horizontal frame and the other horizontal frame may have an indentation on an intermediate topside section. Each horizontal frame may attach to one of the vertical frames to form two leg assemblies. Aspects of the present disclosure may include a backrest that may include one or more latches attached to the back section of the backrest, a seat base with two or more half-lap joints attached to the underside section of the seat base, and a bow-shaped joint which may attach to an underside section of the seat base.