Pocket-Based Interconnector for Screw-Free Bed Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bed assembly processes are inefficient due to the complexity of parts and the risk of losing small components like screws and metal plates, and the use of tenons and mortises complicates the alignment of longitudinal and transverse bars.
Innovation Solution
An interconnector for a bed comprising a plate with two perpendicular bars and pockets on the plate, allowing for secure attachment of transverse bars to a longitudinal beam without screws, simplifying assembly and reducing part loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If straight metal plates and screws are used to interconnect longitudinal and transverse bars, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and the risk of part loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnector integrates multiple functions into a single component: the plate provides the connection surface, the pockets receive and secure the bars, and the receiving portion anchors the interconnector to the longitudinal bar. This eliminates the need for separate metal plates and screws, reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength.
2Strength
If tenons and mortises are used to connect longitudinal and transverse bars, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnector acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection process. Instead of directly fitting tenons into mortises, the pockets on the interconnector receive the transverse bars, and the receiving portion on the bottom secures the longitudinal bar, making alignment and assembly easier while maintaining connection strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple small parts like screws and metal plates are used, then the adaptability of the bed structure is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to part loss
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple small parts (metal plates, screws, and now tenons) into a single interconnector component, the design reduces the number of separate parts that can be lost. The interconnector maintains structural adaptability through its design features (pockets for transverse bars, receiving portion for longitudinal bars) while minimizing part loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnector includes a plate and two pockets. The plate comprising a top and a bottom for contact with a beam. The pockets are formed on the top of the plate. Each of the pockets includes an opening. The openings of the pockets are located on opposite lateral sides of the plate. The openings allow the pockets to receive two bars in parallel to each other in substantially opposite directions.