Modular U-Shaped Shelving Ratio for Versatile Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular furniture systems lack a universal design ratio that allows for efficient creation of various configurations using a single type of piece, leading to unnecessary expense and wasted space due to the need for multiple specific furniture pieces.

Innovation Solution

A modular shelving assembly featuring elongate U-shaped members with a universal design ratio of A=2B+2C, enabling the creation of a vast array of shelving configurations by using the same design for multiple pieces, which can be easily assembled and configured in different orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specific furniture pieces are used to create different shelving configurations, then the versatility and variety of furniture arrangements are improved, but the expense and complexity of manufacturing and inventory management increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefurniture configuration varietyVSAvoidnumber of different furniture pieces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single type of furniture piece (elongate U-shaped member with specific design ratio A=2B+2C) that can serve multiple functions and be configured in various arrangements to create different shelving units, tables, consoles, and bookshelves, eliminating the need for multiple specialized furniture pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the furniture system into identical modular units (U-shaped members with legs) that can be independently assembled and configured in different orientations and arrangements to create diverse furniture configurations from the same basic component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specific furniture pieces are manufactured and stored in inventory, then the ability to provide various furniture configurations is improved, but the production costs and inventory management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefurniture configuration varietyVSAvoidproduction and inventory efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies homogeneity by using identical U-shaped members with the same design ratio and dimensions throughout the system, allowing all pieces to be manufactured using the same mold and assembly processes, thereby simplifying production and inventory management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentUS9603448B2Modular shelving assembly with universal design ratio

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 THE LOVESAC CORP

AI summary

A modular shelving system includes at least two elongate U-shaped members, wherein each of the elongate U-shaped members includes: an elongate body member; and first and second parallel elongate leg members extending transversely in the same direction away from opposing ends of the elongate body member with space between the first and second parallel leg members, wherein the length A of the elongate U-shaped member is equal to twice the height B of the first side of the elongate U-shaped member, plus twice the height C of the second side of the elongate U-shaped member, such that A=2B+2C.