Finite Element Analysis of Furniture Hardware Items Connectors

Introducing the finite element method into furniture design can improve the mechanical performance and design efficiency of furniture. Existing furniture finite element analysis models the whole furniture for calculation. However, in reality, the furniture hardware plays a crucial role in bearing external forces. It is necessary to conduct special finite element analysis on hardware connectors to ensure their strength meets the requirements of furniture use and provides important references for hardware structural improvement.

1. Finite Element Method and Its Application in Furniture Hardware Items Design

The greatest advantage of the finite element method is its strong generality, which can model and solve the mechanics of complex shapes accurately to meet engineering requirements, and replace a large number of experiments and testing. Using finite elements to develop furniture products can significantly improve the quality of products by reproducing complex environments during development, shortening the development cycle and reducing costs. Simulation technology has advantages over physical testing, such as constructing and using complex products and training, demonstrating its bright prospects in furniture design.

The existing furniture finite element analysis mainly models the whole furniture to solve stress and deformation fields. However, the role of hardware connectors in furniture is not considered. In fact, furniture hardware is an important load-bearing component of furniture and also a part that is prone to deformation and failure under external loads. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a special finite element analysis on hardware connectors.

2. Furniture Hardware Items and Its Finite Element Analysis

Furniture hardware is the most commonly used connector in furniture. Its structure is firm and reliable, and it can be repeatedly installed and disassembled. Loose connectors can be directly tightened, and the assembly efficiency is high. Hardware connectors have different connection methods, such as the vertical joint between boards, parallel joint between boards, and assembly of frames. When the connection method is different, the load-bearing form of the connector is also different. Some connectors mainly bear tension stress, some bear shear stress, some mainly bear bending or torsion stress, and some connectors need to bear the combined deformation of multiple stresses at the same time. The three types of connectors are exemplified below.

1. Angle bracket

An angle bracket is commonly used for connecting tabletop and lower frame, or invisible right-angle connections such as cabinet panels, top boards, bottom boards, and side walls. It is an economical connector that cannot be disassembled and assembled repeatedly. Due to its difficulty in disassembly and assembly, its strength should be ensured during design to avoid failure during use.

2. Connector plate

The connector plate is mainly used for connecting the upper and lower seats of box cabinets, and assembling cabinet bodies, and can also be used in invisible connection parts for reinforcement. It is practical and affordable furniture hardware. Connector plates come in different shapes such as T, L, and rectangle. If it only bears tension stress, the stress in connector plates is small, although there is stress concentration around each hole, under general working load, the stress is still far below the allowable stress of the material, making this connector less prone to damage under normal conditions.

3. Hinge

Hinge, also known as pivot, is a device used for connection or rotation, which enables doors, lids, or other swing components to rotate. It usually consists of a pair of metal blades connected by a pin, and is an indispensable component in furniture production, providing connection, support, and rotation functions. Hinges generally consist of a shaft and blades, and are in a combined deformation state of both tension and bending under working conditions. However, correct analysis results can be obtained as long as the loads are correctly applied in finite element software.

Introducing finite element method into furniture design can help solve mechanical problems encountered in design, especially conducting finite element analysis on furniture hardware can improve the mechanical performance of the furniture.

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