Snap-Coupled Seat Assembly for Stable Tool-Free Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat elements require specialized tools and machinery for assembly, are cumbersome to store and transport due to pre-assembled structures, and suffer from unstable and prone-to-damage coupling mechanisms, especially when upholstered with precious materials.
Innovation Solution
A seat element design featuring separate frame and seat components that utilize elastic hooks and protuberances for snap coupling, along with secondary coupling means that allow for easy assembly and disassembly without damaging the seat or its covering, using a combination of elastic hooks and rotating brackets for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If riveting, bolting or screw coupling devices are used to connect frame and seat, then the connection is strong and stable, but specialized tools and machinery are required for assembly and the structure becomes cumbersome to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate components: a coupling element with coupling arms and a coupling piece with receiving elements. This segmentation allows the frame and seat to be connected through simple insertion without requiring specialized tools or machinery, while maintaining stable connection through the interlocking geometry of the segmented parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-assembling through the elastic deformation of coupling arms. When the coupling piece is inserted, the elastic arms automatically engage with the receiving elements without requiring external tools, riveting machines, or specialized assembly equipment, thus simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable connection.
2Ease of operation
If pre-assembled structures are used, then the final product is ready to use, but the structure becomes cumbersome and inconvenient to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The seat element is segmented into separable components (frame and seat) that can be stored independently in a compact manner. When needed, the components are quickly reconnected using the simple coupling mechanism, providing readiness to use without requiring large storage space for a permanently assembled structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If shaped coupling means are used between frame and seat, then assembly is simplified, but stable and safe coupling is not ensured over time due to wear and production tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arms are designed with elastic curvature that allows them to deform and accommodate production tolerances. This elastic geometry ensures that the coupling maintains stable engagement over time, compensating for wear and dimensional variations without requiring precise fitting or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change. The coupling arms can elastically deform during assembly and use, allowing the system to adapt to production tolerances and maintain stable coupling. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures reliable connection without sacrificing assembly simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If coupling means are used that allow easy assembly and disassembly, then storage and transportation become easier, but the coupling mechanism tends to break during assembly and cause abrasion to the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the frame and seat, providing a protective interface during assembly and disassembly. The coupling arms with their elastic geometry allow easy connection and separation without requiring forceful actions that would cause abrasion to the seat or breakage of the coupling mechanism.
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
The design facilitates convenient assembly and disassembly, prevents abrasion, ensures stability, reduces production costs, and allows for easier storage and transportation, while minimizing the need for specialized machinery and labor.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic hook (28) and a protuberance (32), able to form a snap coupling with each other
Data Source
AI summary
Seat element, comprising a frame, a seat associable to said frame, the frame and the seat being made separately from each other and being attachable and detachable from each other by the interposition of first coupling means. Advantageously, the first coupling means comprise at least one elastic hook and a protuberance, able to form a snap coupling with each other, the elastic hook being positioned so as to intercept the protuberance in a vertical assembly direction.The elastic hook has a coupling end and a hook end, flexible in relation to the coupling end, so as to snap hook onto an undercut of the protuberance in the vertical assembly direction.