Modular Furniture Slat Support for Adjustable Firmness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current furniture spring systems are not easily replaceable or adjustable, limiting user customization and flexibility, as they are often permanently fixed within furniture items, making it difficult to change the firmness or size to suit individual preferences or storage needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular furniture spring system with a lid and elongate slats that can be extended or contracted, featuring a retention member and catch mechanism, allowing for adjustable firmness and size customization, and can be easily replaced without deconstructing the furniture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring systems are permanently fixed within furniture items, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is divided into individual replaceable slats that can be independently removed and replaced. Each slat is a separate component that can be accessed through removable lids, allowing users to replace only the damaged springs rather than the entire spring system, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining structural stability through the modular design.
2Reliability
If spring systems are permanently fixed within furniture items, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system incorporates adjustable firmness through the ability to replace slats with different spring configurations. Users can change the firmness level by selecting slats with varying spring densities or types, transforming a static spring system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different user preferences while maintaining structural stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid barriers are used to protect stored items, then protection is improved, but cushioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporating the spring system serves as a flexible protective barrier for stored items. The slats with springs provide cushioning comfort when sat upon while simultaneously protecting items in the storage space below. This replaces rigid barriers with a flexible structure that delivers both protection and comfort functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to customize the firmness and size of the spring system to suit their preferences, providing support while protecting stored items, and allows for modular configurations that can be easily adapted or replaced, enhancing user convenience and furniture versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible middle portion extending between the first end and the second end. The catch is configured to slide back-and-forth relative to the retention member as the middle portion elastically flexes downward and upward in response to forces intermittently pushing downward on the slat during use
Data Source
AI summary
Furniture spring systems are configured to provide support for different sized modular seating systems and/or modular bed systems. Slats extend between opposing frame or rail members to provide support to the seating or bed system. The slats have a catch disposed at a first or second end. In the seating and/or bed frame systems, the catch engages a retention member to retain the slat to the frame or rail. Adjustable bed frame systems employing such slats comprise modular bed frames and adjustable head boards and foot boards. Bed frames employing the slats and headboards/footboards thereof adjust in length or width in a variety of different manners. Adjustable bed frames adjust through the use of telescoping members, filler blocks and/or elongate end blocks that have different sizes from the standard uniform elongate support blocks employed in a bed frame.