Elements of Designing Upholstered Furniture Sandwich Frames Using Finite Element Method

This paper presents an approach to the design of an upholstered furniture frame using the finite element method and empirical studies. Three-dimensional discrete models of upholstered furniture frames were developed taking into account orthotropic properties of solid pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.) without and with details strengthening their structure in the form of glue joints and upholstery staples. Using the CAE Autodesk Inventor Nastran finite element method, linear static analyses were performed by simulating normative loading. The finite element method was performed considering the experimentally determined stiffness coefficients of the PCAC adhesive and staple joints. As a result, stress, displacement, and equivalent strain distributions were obtained for upholstered furniture frame models with stapled corner joints. The deformation and strength behavior of the upholstered furniture frames was improved by reinforcing with a wood strip. A new approach to the design of upholstered furniture frame frames using the FEM method with stapled component connections was developed and tested. The results of the study can be applied in the optimization of upholstered furniture construction.