Pre-mounted furniture module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture assembly methods require pre-manufacturing of parts, making packages bulkier and complicating handling, packaging, and transportation of flat-packed furniture without providing a convenient assembly solution.

Innovation Solution

A pre-mounted furniture module with a hinge connection using adhesive, such as melt glue, where one panel is connected to two side portions of another, allowing 270° rotation to form a corner shape without compromising handling or packaging, and a method involving milling tools to create the necessary surfaces and apply adhesive for assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pre-manufacturing of parts is done to facilitate assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but package size increases making handling and transportation more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidpackage size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection is pre-assembled between the first and second panels during manufacturing, creating a pre-mounted furniture module. This preliminary action allows the module to be easily assembled into the final furniture product while maintaining a compact flat-packed form for transportation and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second panel is nested against the first panel in the flat-packed state, with the hinge connection allowing the second panel to be rotated into its final position. This nesting approach minimizes package volume while preserving assembly capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If panels are pre-mounted to each other, then assembly ease is improved, but handling and packaging becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidhandling and packaging complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection is pre-assembled between the first and second panels during manufacturing, creating a pre-mounted furniture module. This preliminary action allows the module to be easily assembled into the final furniture product while maintaining a compact flat-packed form for transportation and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If adhesive is used for hinge connection, then assembly ease is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidsurface preparation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical hinge connections (such as pins or screws) with an adhesive-based hinge connection. The adhesive is applied to the hinge connection surface of the first panel and bonds to the second panel, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and associated precision requirements for hole alignment and insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical interlocking to chemical adhesion. By using adhesive with specific properties (such as melt glue that flows and bonds under heat and pressure), the connection is achieved through surface area contact rather than precise mechanical fit, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 easier assembly of furniture modules without increasing package size, allowing for efficient handling and transportation while maintaining the ability to form corner shapes securely.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge connection between a first panel (102) and a second panel (104), wherein the hinge connection allows for a relative movement between the first and second panel (102, 104)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a method involving milling tools to create the necessary surfaces and apply adhesive for assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMilling:

Data Source

PatentEP3478125B1Pre-mounted furniture module
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 IKEA SUPPLY AG
  • EP3478125B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3478125B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3478125B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A furniture module for forming part of a piece of furniture is provided. The furniture module comprises a first panel (102) and at least one second panel (104) being pre-mounted to said first panel (102) by means of an adhesive (161) forming a hinge connection (105) between said first panel (102) and said second panel (104), wherein a side portion (108) of the first panel (102) is facing a side portion (109) of the second panel (104) when the furniture module is assembled into a final corner shape, and wherein the adhesive (161) is arranged along at least a part of the length of the side portion (108) of the first panel (102) and at least a part of the length of the side portion (109) of the second panel (104).