Screwless assembled sofa

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sofa assembly methods using bolts are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and provide a poor user experience due to the complexity of the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A screwless assembled sofa design featuring insertion fit connectors with snap-fit and interference fit mechanisms, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without the need for tools, using V-shaped structures with protrusions and slots to secure the components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If bolts are used to assemble sofa components, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate parts: an upper connector attached to the armrest and a lower connector attached to the sofa seat. These segmented connectors enable tool-free insertion assembly while maintaining connection strength through the complementary fit between upper and lower connector portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional bolt-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a snap-fit connector system. The upper and lower connectors engage through insertion and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for bolts, nuts, and other fastening tools, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity.

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

2Reliability

If traditional bolt assembly is used, then the connection is reliable, but the assembly process requires tools and multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is designed to be self-assembling without requiring external tools or fastening operations. The upper connector automatically engages with the lower connector through insertion, utilizing elastic deformation and snap-fit mechanisms to create a reliable connection that secures itself without human intervention beyond the initial insertion action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If connectors are designed for easy insertion, then assembly is simplified, but component loosening and disengagement may occur during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidcomponent stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design incorporates dynamic elements including elastic deformation of the connector body during insertion and engagement. The elastic portion deforms to allow insertion while maintaining constant contact pressure against the mating surface, creating a stable connection that adapts to dimensional variations and prevents loosening during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector utilizes changes in physical parameters during assembly and operation. The elastic modulus and deformation characteristics of the connector material are optimized to provide sufficient flexibility for easy insertion while maintaining adequate rigidity to prevent loosening. The contact pressure and engagement depth are designed to balance assembly ease with connection stability.

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

Simplifies the assembly process, reduces assembly time, and enhances user experience by eliminating the need for tools while preventing component loosening and disengagement during use.

Implementation Method 1

one end of the connector is provided with an elastic portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the upper connectors are also snap-fit with the lower connectors by means of buckle structures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3936004A1Screwless assembled sofa
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 ZHEJIANG YOTRIO GRP CO LTD
  • EP3936004A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936004A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936004A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The utility model pertains to the field of furniture and specifically relates to a screwless assembled sofa, comprising a sofa seat and armrests, which are mounted in a fit manner. The sofa seat is fixedly fit with first lower connectors, the armrests are fixedly fit with first upper connectors, and the first lower connectors are in insertion fit with the first upper connectors. The armrests and the sofa seat in the present utility model are mounted in an insertion fit manner to simplify assembly steps, shorten the assembly time and eliminate the dependence on tools. Easy and rapid assembly has significantly improved user experience. The present utility model further provides buckle structures, which can prevent component loosening and disengagement during use of the sofa.