Device for assembling modules and associated furniture element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current furniture assembly systems are difficult to disassemble and reassemble, limiting customization and mobility, as they often require specific tools and result in damaged parts during disassembly due to the reliance on projections and grooves for retention.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly device featuring a male element with a longitudinal body and chamfers that fits into a female element with support zones, allowing for reversible and non-destructive assembly and disassembly without stressing the abutment, using a recessed connection that distributes holding force across multiple contact points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional projection and groove assembly systems are used, then assembly strength is improved, but disassembly becomes difficult and parts are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device is segmented into distinct functional zones: an abutment for initial engagement, chamfers for guiding and force distribution, and multiple support zones for final positioning. This segmentation allows the assembly to achieve strong bonding while enabling clean disassembly by applying force to specific zones without damaging the abutment.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfers act as intermediary elements between the abutment and support zones. They distribute the assembly and disassembly forces across multiple contact points, preventing stress concentration on the abutment while maintaining strong assembly strength through the combined action of all zones.
2Manufacturing precision
If specific tools are required for assembly, then assembly precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device is designed to be self-aligning and self-assembling through its geometric features. The chamfers guide the modules into proper alignment, and the abutment automatically engages with the groove without requiring external tools. Disassembly is similarly simplified by applying force to the support zones, eliminating the need for specialized tools while maintaining high assembly precision.
3Ease of operation
If reusable assembly devices are used, then assembly ease is improved, but device loss becomes a risk
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device is merged with the furniture modules themselves. The abutment, chamfers, and support zones are integrated into the module structures, eliminating the risk of device loss. The device becomes an inherent part of the furniture, maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly while ensuring permanent retention.
4Productivity
If standardized furniture modules are used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but customization flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device with its standardized abutment, chamfers, and support zones provides universal compatibility across different furniture modules. The same assembly mechanism can be used for various module types and configurations, enabling both efficient standardized production and flexible customization arrangements. Users can create different furniture configurations using the same modular components and assembly device.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The invention concerns a device for assembling first and second modules (2) of a furniture element, the device comprising a male element (3) designed to interact with a female element (4) according to an interlocking connection, the female element (4) having a groove (4g) having an inner wall comprising a plurality of bearing zones. In order to enable reversible interlocking, the shape and dimensions of a first portion of the body of the male element (3) are determined to be complementary and adjusted to that of the groove (4g) of the female element (4), so that a stop (34), chamfers (36) and a lower wall (37) bear on the inner wall of the groove (4g) during interlocking of the male element (3) in the female element (4). The invention further concerns a furniture element comprising a plurality of modules, said modules being able to be assembled by a plurality of assembly devices conforming with the invention.