Modular Sofa Bed with Tool-Free Connectors for Assembly Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional sofas are bulky, require complex assembly, and lack flexibility in design and functionality, leading to high transportation costs and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A modular sofa bed design featuring detachable modules with sliding mechanisms, wheels, and tool-free connectors such as K/D detachable hinges and connecting footboards, allowing for flexible assembly and disassembly without specialized tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional sofas are designed with fixed sizes and pre-assembled components, then structural stability is improved, but assembly flexibility and space adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sofa is divided into multiple independent modules including seat modules, backrest modules, armrest modules, and base modules. Each module can be independently assembled and disassembled through connection components, enabling flexible reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sofa design incorporates convertible functionality where the backrest modules can be adjusted between different positions and angles, and the overall structure can be transformed from sofa configuration to bed configuration, providing dynamic adaptability to different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If traditional sofas require complex assembly with screws and specialized tools, then connection strength is improved, but assembly simplicity and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional screw-based mechanical fastening systems are replaced with tool-free connection components including snap-fit mechanisms, cam locks, and interlocking structures. These components maintain strong connections while enabling simple assembly and disassembly through hand-operated mechanisms without requiring specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection components are designed to be self-assembling through user-friendly mechanisms such as snap-fit joints that automatically lock into place and cam-locked connectors that secure modules through simple lever actions, eliminating the need for external tools or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional sofas are designed as single integrated units, then structural integrity is improved, but transportation efficiency and storage flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtransportation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sofa is segmented into multiple compact modules that can be individually packaged and transported. These modules can be shipped separately and efficiently stored, then assembled by the user or delivered in a partially assembled state to reduce transportation volume and storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows smaller components to be nested within larger structures during storage and transportation. Modules can be stacked or nested together to minimize space occupation, and the hollow base frames provide internal space for storing smaller components when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular sofas use detachable connection components, then assembly flexibility is improved, but connection stability and structural reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection components incorporate pre-designed reinforcement features such as strengthened joint structures, multiple connection points, and load-distributing mechanisms that prevent potential failure points before they occur, ensuring stable connections despite the detachable nature of the modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple connection mechanisms are combined within each joint interface, such as combining snap-fit engagement with cam-lock securing, or using both friction-fit and positive-lock features simultaneously, to create redundant connection methods that enhance overall connection stability while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250241449A1Modular sofa bed

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 ODK TECH PTE LTD

AI summary

A modular sofa bed, wherein the modular sofa bed comprises: one or more base modules, wherein each of the base modules comprises a hollow base frame and a seat board module detachably set to the hollow base frame; one or more backrest modules, wherein each of the backrest modules is detachably connected to a corresponding one of the base modules; and two handrail modules, detachably set on two outer sides of the base modules, respectively.