Wicker Frame Channel Mounting for Post-Assembly Weaving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sling furniture mechanisms fail to accommodate wicker materials, requiring complex hole drilling and assembly steps, and necessitate mounting the sling during frame assembly, limiting flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing and installation.
Innovation Solution
A modified channel system in furniture frames with increased slot width at discrete access points allows for the weaving of wicker panels onto an assembled frame, using flexible and resilient securing rods that can be manipulated for weaving and securely reinserted, enabling separate assembly and mounting of wicker panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional sling mechanisms are used with wicker materials, then the sling can be mounted to the frame, but the complexity of hole drilling and hand work increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into two functional zones: a first portion with a wider opening that allows easy insertion of the securing rod and wicker material, and a second portion with a narrower cross-section that provides secure retention. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple holes and hand work while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the wicker to be threaded through multiple holes in the frame during assembly, the invention inverts the approach by providing a continuous channel that receives the securing rod and wicker from the outside, allowing the wicker to be woven around the rod and then secured within the channel after the frame is assembled.
2Productivity
If the sling is mounted onto the frame prior to completing frame assembly, then the sling can be secured, but the manufacturing process requires single-location assembly and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is pre-formed as an integral part of the frame members during frame fabrication, creating a ready-to-receive securing rod and wicker structure. This preliminary preparation allows the frame to be fully assembled at one location, and the wicker mounting to be performed separately at a different location or time, increasing manufacturing flexibility and efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the channel slot width is increased to permit rod insertion, then the securing rod can be inserted laterally, but the channel may not securely retain the rod
Solution Approach 1:
The channel exhibits local quality variation along its length: the first portion has a larger cross-sectional area that facilitates easy insertion of the securing rod and wicker material, while the second portion has a narrower cross-section that provides friction and geometric constraints to securely retain the rod in place, preventing removal or displacement during use.
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
This solution allows for efficient, attractive, and secure mounting of wicker panels on furniture frames, enabling flexible assembly and installation, and accommodating various furniture types, including chairs, tables, and headboards, while enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
flexible and resilient securing rods that can be manipulated for weaving and securely reinserted
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for mounting wicker fibers onto furniture frame members; the system involves a flexible securing rod and at least one frame member with a channel configured to retain the securing rod. The frame member provides at least one channel access point along the channel that enables the securing rod to be inserted fully into the channel and further to enable a portion of the securing rod to be manipulated to expose a portion of the securing rod so that a wicker fiber can be looped around the securing rod. The exposed portion of the flexible securing rod may then be re-inserted into the channel. Thus, in application a frame member may be incorporated into a furniture frame in a complementary configuration permitting the wicker fibers to be woven. The wicker may be looped about securing rods located in complementary frame members so as to create a sling mounted wicker panel.