Modular Wall Connectors for Stable Furniture and Exhibition Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular furniture and exhibition systems face instability issues due to groove geometry in connecting elements, which can break under heavy loads, especially when assembling wall modules.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with L-shaped, T-shaped, or cruciform connecting elements that fit into recesses within wall modules, extending between the front and rear surfaces, providing a stable connection and load transfer while maintaining a continuous surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plate-shaped connecting elements are received in grooves running from front surface to back surface of wall modules, then the modular system allows flexible assembly and adjustment, but the groove geometry is prone to breaking out under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into multiple bar-shaped portions (at least two) that are interconnected at right angles, forming L-shaped, T-shaped, or cruciform structures. This segmentation distributes the load across multiple discrete connection points rather than relying on a single continuous plate, preventing breakout while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element combines multiple bar-shaped portions made of the same or different materials, creating a composite structure that leverages the strengths of each portion while distributing stress. This composite approach enhances overall load-bearing capacity without sacrificing the modular assembly capability.
2Force
If connecting elements extend through the wall module from one wall surface to the opposite wall surface, then load transfer is improved, but the risk of breakage at the groove geometry increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single continuous plate extending through the wall module, the connecting element uses multiple bar-shaped portions that are segmented and interconnected. Each bar portion can be independently received in corresponding recesses, distributing the load transfer function across multiple discrete elements rather than one continuous structure, thereby reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element transitions from a two-dimensional plate shape to a three-dimensional structure with bar-shaped portions extending in multiple directions (L-shaped, T-shaped, or cruciform). This dimensional change allows the connecting element to engage with wall modules in multiple orientations and distribute loads across different spatial dimensions, reducing stress concentration at any single point.
3Stability of the object's composition
If L-shaped, T-shaped, or cruciform connecting elements are used, then stability and load transfer are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex L-shaped, T-shaped, or cruciform connecting elements are constructed by interconnecting simple bar-shaped portions at right angles. This segmentation allows each bar portion to be manufactured independently using standard production techniques, then assembled into the final complex shape, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar-shaped portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable load transfer, facilitate connection to wall modules through recesses, and allow for flexible assembly configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall system despite the complex final geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular system for furniture, exhibition structures having wall modules with wall surfaces situated opposite one another—opposite front and rear surfaces and opposite contact areas, comprising connecting elements connecting the wall modules having L-shaped, T-shaped or cruciform cross-sectional area. The wall modules have a recess for receiving the connecting element which is matched to the shape of the recess. The recess runs from the contact area on one side of the wall module, in the direction of the contact area, on the other side of the wall module and passes through the wall module in the direction of a wall surface to the opposite wall surface, and is situated between sections of the front surface and rear surface which are situated opposite one another. The connecting elements, when they are inserted into the recess in a wall module, correspond to the distance between the wall surfaces.