Furniture system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional furniture systems are limited by a fixed primary function, which can visually restrict open spaces and limit their usability in multi-purpose rooms, as they are typically designed for a single purpose and are easily identifiable by their primary function.

Innovation Solution

A furniture system featuring a wall panel with a fastening element that includes a protruding section with a gap, allowing for the variable positioning and sliding storage of functional elements, enabling multiple functionalities and minimizing visual impairment by hiding applications behind a flat element when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a furniture system is designed with a fixed primary function, then the function is clearly defined and easily recognized, but the visual space is restricted and the field of vision is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidvisual space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The furniture system is segmented into a fixed wall panel and a separate movable application that can be positioned independently. The application can be slid into the gap between the wall panel and the fastening element, allowing the functional elements to be separated from the main visual structure while maintaining clear functional definition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The functional application is extracted from the main wall panel structure and can be removed or slid into the gap. This extraction allows the primary furniture structure to maintain a clean, uncluttered appearance while the functional elements can be added or removed as needed, preserving visual space while providing functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If functional elements are made visible and accessible, then the functionality is easily accessible, but the visual impairment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional accessibilityVSAvoidvisual space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The application is designed to be dynamically positionable between a retracted state (slid into the gap, less visible) and an extended state (pulled out, more accessible). This dynamic positioning allows users to adjust the visibility and accessibility of functional elements based on immediate needs, balancing visual space with functional accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a furniture system is designed for a single primary function, then the design is simple and clear, but the adaptability to multiple uses is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidfunctional adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element with the gap structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wall panel, creates a storage/retraction space for the application, and enables the application to be positioned at variable locations. This universal design allows the same structural feature to support both simplicity and multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element extends perpendicular to the wall panel, creating a third dimension (depth) that houses the gap. This additional dimensional space allows the application to be stored or retracted without compromising the two-dimensional visual appearance of the wall panel, enabling functional adaptability while maintaining design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3228227B1Furniture system
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 BULTHAUP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3228227B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3228227B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3228227B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a furniture system, in particular a furniture system for a kitchen, comprising: a wall panel (2) and a fastening element (3) for the wall panel (2), the fastening element (3) having a receptacle for the wall panel (2) and a Fixing device for fixing to a wall, the fixing element (3) having, on the side facing away from the fixing device, a section which projects out of the plane of the wall panel (2) and which has an element (31) perpendicular to the plane of the wall panel (2) and a has an element (32) parallel to the plane of the wall panel (2), a gap (4) being provided between the parallel (31) element and the wall panel (2).