Rollable piece of furniture

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rollable furniture designs, such as chairs, are bulky and heavy due to their reliance on solid, chain-shaped connecting elements for force absorption and stabilization, which negatively impacts portability and storage.

Innovation Solution

A rollable piece of furniture with surface elements that are flexibly connected to each other, allowing it to transition between unrolled and rolled-up states, where compressive forces are distributed through the side surfaces of the elements rather than solely through connecting elements, using a design that includes non-rectilinear shapes and rotatable joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If solid, heavy chain-shaped connecting elements are used for force absorption and stabilization, then the chair can absorb forces exerted by a person, but the volume and weight of the chair significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidchair weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The chair structure is divided into multiple surface elements (slatted elements) that are arranged at certain distances from each other. These segmented elements work together to absorb and distribute forces, replacing the need for a single solid chain-shaped structure. The segmentation allows force distribution across multiple points while reducing overall material usage and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The surface elements are designed with curved shapes that follow the natural contours of the human body. This curvature serves dual purposes: it provides ergonomic support for comfort while also creating structural stability through the geometric properties of curved surfaces. The curved shapes distribute loads more efficiently compared to straight rigid beams, reducing the need for excessive material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Strength

If solid, heavy chain-shaped connecting elements are used for force absorption and stabilization, then the chair can absorb forces exerted by a person, but the volume and weight of the chair significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidchair volume

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The chair structure is divided into multiple surface elements (slatted elements) that are arranged at certain distances from each other. These segmented elements work together to absorb and distribute forces, replacing the need for a single solid chain-shaped structure. The segmentation allows force distribution across multiple points while reducing overall material usage and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin, flexible surface elements that can bend and deform under load while maintaining structural integrity. These thin film-like elements are connected in a way that allows them to work together as a composite structure, providing strength without the bulk of solid rigid components. The flexible nature of these elements allows for compact folding while maintaining force absorption capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Volume of moving object

If the piece of furniture is designed to be rollable for storage and portability, then transport and storage space are reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chair is divided into multiple independent or semi-independent surface elements that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation enables the chair to be collapsed into a compact rolled-up configuration for storage and transport. The modular nature of the segmented structure simplifies the folding mechanism compared to attempting to fold a solid monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chair structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition between different states: a stable, expanded configuration for use and a compact, rolled-up configuration for storage. The connecting elements between surface elements are designed to allow controlled movement and folding while maintaining structural integrity during the transition. This dynamic capability enables portability without requiring completely separate storage and use structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12538983B2Rollable piece of furniture

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 LAMONT ALAN

AI summary

The invention relates to a rollable piece of furniture comprising:a plurality of surface elements arranged next to one another, which are flexibly connected to one another in such a way that the piece of furniture can be transferred from a rolled up state to an unrolled state in relation to a rolling axis, wherein,in the unrolled state, the surface elements adjoin each other at least partially with their respective side surfaces and are bent in relation to the rolling axis and have a non-rectilinear course in such a way that the side surfaces are exposed to pressure when the piece of furniture is loaded as intended.