Wrap-Around Furniture Glide Structure for Secure Tubular Leg Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture glides are not securely retained on tubular frames and are prone to detachment during repeated movement, leading to potential damage to flooring, and they are costly and less durable due to the incorporation of slits and thin felt materials.
Innovation Solution
A furniture glide design featuring a flexible furniture engaging layer, a cushion layer with a lower melting point, and a floor engaging layer made from heavy-duty felt, where the cushion layer is bonded to the furniture engaging layer by melting and infusing vinyl material between the fibers, allowing secure wrapping around tubular legs and enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If furniture glides are mounted on tubular frames using prior art designs, then they can provide floor protection, but they become detached during repeated movement
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture glide is formed as a substantially U-shaped structure with a curved configuration that wraps around the tubular frame. This curvature allows the glide to conform to the cylindrical shape of the leg, creating natural contact points at the sides and bottom that prevent detachment during movement while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The furniture glide utilizes a flexible felt material that can be wrapped around the tubular frame and secured. The flexibility of the material allows it to conform to the curved surface of the leg and maintain secure engagement through friction and adhesion, preventing detachment during repeated movement.
2Ease of operation
If slits are incorporated in sidewalls to facilitate wrapping, then the glide can be installed on tubular legs, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture glide is provided as a pre-formed U-shaped structure with predetermined side walls and a bottom portion, eliminating the need for slits or complex assembly steps. This segmented design allows for simple wrapping around the tubular frame while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thin felt material is used for the furniture glide, then it can be flexible and easy to wrap, but durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture glide is constructed from a composite structure consisting of a substantial U-shaped body made from durable felt material with a substantial floor engaging element. This composite design combines the flexibility needed for wrapping with the durability required for long-term use, as the substantial construction provides both conformability and resistance to wear and tear.
4Stress or pressure
If the furniture glide is designed for flat bottoms, then it can disperse weight effectively, but it does not fit tubular frames
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture glide is formed as a substantially U-shaped structure with a curved configuration that wraps around the tubular frame, allowing it to conform to cylindrical surfaces. This curved design maintains the weight distribution function by providing substantial contact area with the floor while adapting to the specific geometry of tubular furniture legs.
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 solution provides a secure, durable, and cost-effective furniture glide that can withstand repeated movement without detaching from the furniture, reducing the risk of flooring damage and maintaining performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
The cushion layer is bonded to the furniture engaging layer by melting and infusing vinyl material between the fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture glide configured to wrap around a base portion of a chair frame is disclosed. The furniture glide is of multi-layer construction. A first layer is flexible and configured to engage the chair frame. A second layer, bonded to the first layer, is cushioned. A third layer is configured too engage the floor and is made of a durable material to handle the wear associated with engaging the floor. Side portions of the first layer wrap around the base portion of the chair to easily attach the furniture glide to the chair.