Stackable Modular Furniture Frames With Tool-Free Locking Bar Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular furniture designs require at least two people to transport and assemble elongate components into chairs or sofas, limiting solo setup capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A novel frame configuration with a rectangular structure, featuring a locking bar mechanism and pivotally mounted joinder members, allowing for secure assembly and stacking without tools, enabling a single person to set up chairs, loveseats, or couches by interlocking frames and using a wheeled device for transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If elongate components are used in modular furniture assembly, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the number of people required for transport and assembly increases to at least two
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture system is divided into compact, modular frame units that can be individually handled and transported by one person. Each frame unit is a self-contained module that can be easily moved yet maintains structural integrity when assembled with other units.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame units are designed to nest within each other during storage and transport, with smaller frames fitting inside larger ones. This nesting capability reduces the number of items a single person must carry while maintaining access to all necessary components for assembly.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening means are used for assembly, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The frame units incorporate built-in connection features that combine locking, securing, and alignment functions into one unified assembly action, eliminating the need for separate screws, bolts, or pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame units feature self-aligning and self-locking mechanisms that automatically ensure proper connection when units are brought together. The design includes complementary geometries that guide components into correct positions and maintain reliable connections without requiring precision alignment or additional fastening steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If tools are used for assembly, then assembly precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly mechanism is designed to be self-aligning, with complementary geometric features on adjacent frame units that automatically guide components into correct positions. The connection system includes built-in alignment guides and tolerance-compensating features that ensure precise assembly without requiring external measuring or positioning tools.
4Volume of moving object
If frames are stacked for transport, then space efficiency is improved, but frame stability during stacking deteriorates due to shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The frame units incorporate asymmetric features such as offset legs, non-uniform corner configurations, or asymmetric bracing elements. These asymmetric characteristics create inherent stacking stability by preventing frames from shifting laterally when stacked, while still allowing for compact vertical arrangement to maximize space efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame of rectangular configuration, constructed of structural components and usable in connection with modular furniture. Front and back frame components are interconnected by a pair of side components, and a locking bar member extends between the side components and is movable therealong while remaining essentially parallel to the back component. The locking bar member has a straight edge in alignment with and parallel to a straight edge of the back component, such that when the locking bar member is brought into a relatively close relation to the back component, the straight edges of the back component and the locking bar member can hold therebetween a backrest equipped with cleats in a secure, fixed position, without the need for screws, bolts, pins or other joinder elements.