Work surface attachment mechanism, article of furniture, and method of making the article of furniture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture designs face limitations in aesthetic options due to limited attachment mechanisms for work surfaces, which also complicate installation and shipping, often requiring multiple tools and steps.
Innovation Solution
A work surface attachment mechanism featuring a linearly extending elongated member with a moveable clamping system, allowing for adjustable clamping of work surfaces to bases without needing multiple tools, facilitating quick and easy installation and compact shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional attachment mechanisms are used for work surfaces, then structural stability is maintained, but aesthetic design flexibility is limited and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate modular components: a base component with cavity, an elongated member, and a clamping assembly with jaw. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both aesthetic purposes and functional performance, while simplifying installation through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including the rotatable elongated member that enables adjustable positioning, and the moveable jaw that provides adjustable clamping force. These dynamic features allow the attachment mechanism to adapt to different work surface configurations and aesthetic requirements without increasing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If complex attachment mechanisms are used, then secure work surface attachment is achieved, but installation time and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is designed to be self-adjusting through the rotatable elongated member, which automatically translates rotational motion into linear clamping action. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for multiple tools or complex adjustment procedures, reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated member acts as an intermediary element that converts simple rotational input into the complex motion required for secure clamping. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user's task to a single rotational action while achieving reliable work surface attachment through the coordinated motion of the clamping assembly.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for work surface attachment, then attachment reliability is improved, but shipping and storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs a nested arrangement where the jaw and clamping assembly components can be positioned within or alongside the base component and elongated member during shipping. This nesting minimizes the overall package volume while maintaining all necessary components for reliable attachment, improving shipping and storage efficiency.
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
Enables improved aesthetic design flexibility, simplified installation, and cost-efficient manufacturing by allowing work surfaces to be attached securely with minimal tools, enhancing user experience and logistical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A linearly extending elongated member can be rotatably positionable within the cavity. A lower clamping member support body can be moveably attached to the linearly extending elongated member so that rotation of the linearly extending elongated member in a first rotational direction causes the lower clamping member support body to move upwardly along the linearly extending elongated member
Data Source
AI summary
An article of furniture can include a work surface attachment mechanism that is configured to adjustably connect a work surface to a base of the article. The work surface attachment mechanism can be incorporated into one or more legs and be configured to facilitate attachment of different work surfaces of different thicknesses to the base for supporting the work surface above a floor. The work surface attachment mechanism can be adjustable to facilitate such functionality while avoiding large sized gaps that can detract from the aesthetic effect of the article or the base of the article.