Structural creation and multifunctional possibilities in knockdown furniture
Overview
Watch this video from another platform:
​Introduction
This was a cooperative project between Tongji University and Linköping University. Inspired by IKEA, our task was to seek novel and interesting structures in knockdown furniture. The most valuable processes in this project were learning about structures and experimentation.
Team Members
Mengru Zheng – Industrial Designer
Joakim Lindholm – Mechanical Engineer
My Contribution
In this project, we discussed a lot together about the context, use case and potential folding possibilities during ideation process. As an industrial designer, I was good at prototyping and model making, so I contributed more on structural experimentation and the sewing and laser cutting of final prototype.
​Brainstorm
Where is the product be used?
A small rented apartment located in central city.
Key User Need
Save money
Better quality of life
Make space efficient
Goal
Quick assembly and disassembly
Who do we design for?
We design for people who are 22-28 years old, live in a large city. They left their hometown for better job opportunities, so they must rent a residence to save cost of living. However, they still enjoy high-quality life if possible.
Interesting Structures
Telescope
Having pieces that fit together to create a large structure, but that also fit inside each other for small storage, which allow it to expand or shrink quickly without losing the parts.
Zipper
Combining soft and hard materials creates strength and flexibility. Integrating a tool enables quick assembly and disassembly.
Wooden
​Joints
Pieces can support each other to create a strong construction. With proper shapes of the pieces there is no need for glue, screws or other fasteners.
Portable Hanger
The angle of the supporting lower bar is slightly over 180 degrees thus causing it to interlock without the use of a sprint or any kind of lock.
Bending
into 3D
Deforming metallic materials can turn a two-dimensional material into a three dimensional shape.
Ideation
Strength & Sewing Experiment
Paper Folding
After a discussion, we decided to explore our idea by integrating zipper and bending into 3D. Hence our first ideation was based on paper folding with questions below:
1. How can we use fewer zippers to create a 3d shape with more functions?
2. Which size is more reasonable and more collapsible?
3. Which structure is stronger?
​
At last we chose the one, which needs just one zipper. Meanwhile triangle makes the structure stronger than others.
Size Experiment
We made several scale models to seek which size could achieve most user needs with cardboard. Finally we found that with edge length of 60 cm, it could achieve sitting requirement for adults, and also, a child can lie on it.
Concept
Pull the zipper from the start to the end to satisfy multiple needs.
Prototype
Experience
Zipper x1
Plywood board x8
Rug x1
Leather x1
Materials
Zipper makes it easy to assemble and disassemble. Triangular plywood boards support the structure. Leather and rug make it easy to fold and different sides make it comfortable in warm or cold seasons.
Packaging
Each plywood board is in the same shape, so it is convenient to package the product into 8 layers and easy to carry.