Dismountable item of furniture with panel and insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current removable panel furniture assembly is difficult due to the need for tools and worn-out fastening parts, limiting the ability to reassemble furniture and restricts the creation of multiple functional pieces from a single set of panels.
Innovation Solution
The design features panels with notches and removable inserts, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, with notches on the panels and inserts that include longitudinal grooves and perpendicular notches to secure the inserts, enabling various configurations and functions without requiring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening devices are used to assemble panels, then the furniture can be assembled, but the assembly process requires tools and the fastening parts wear out preventing reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: a fastening element with engagement arms that fit into notches on the panel edges. This segmentation allows the fastening parts to be detached, inspected, and reused without wear, as each component can be independently replaced or repositioned for reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches on panel edges are pre-formed during manufacturing to receive the fastening elements directly, eliminating the need for external tools during assembly. The fastening elements engage with the notches through simple insertion and engagement arm deformation, allowing users to assemble furniture without specialized tools while maintaining reusability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If panels are designed with fixed assembly configurations, then structural stability is achieved, but the furniture cannot be reconfigured into different functional pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are positioned at multiple locations on each panel edge, and the fastening elements can engage with these notches in various combinations. This universal design allows the same set of panels to be assembled into different configurations (tables, chairs, wardrobes, benches) while maintaining structural stability through the same fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from fixed to dynamic reconfigurability. The engagement arms on the fastening elements can be deformed to release from notches, allowing panels to be easily repositioned and reassembled into different functional configurations while maintaining stable connections during each assembled state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of furniture are purchased to fulfill different functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but storage space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single set of panels with multiple notches on their edges can be assembled into various functional furniture pieces (table, chair, wardrobe, bench) by rearranging the panels and fastening elements. This eliminates the need to purchase and store multiple separate furniture pieces, reducing both cost and storage space while maintaining functional versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Removable insert (10), comprising two opposing tabs (27, 28) intended to be inserted into two longitudinal grooves of at least one notch in a panel of a demountable piece of furniture, at least one hole (29, 30) for receiving a pin (32), and a cover (31) mounted pivotally between an open position in which the pin (32) can be inserted into the insert (10) and the insert (10) can be inserted into said at least one notch, and a closed position in which the pin (32) is locked in the insert (10) and the cover (31) is inserted into two notches in said at least one notch to retain the insert (10).