Clamp Clip Connect!


This project explores how modular joinery can reduce furniture waste by making repair and upcycling more accessible. In response to irreversible construction, it proposes a clamp-based system for assembling furniture using recycled materials of varying thicknesses.

Duration: 8 Weeks

Client: Low Carbon Design Institute

Focus: Social Design

Tools: Fusion 360, KeyShot

00 Problem Area

00 Problem Area

00 Problem Area

One broken joint.
A whole object discarded.

One broken joint.
A whole object discarded.

One broken joint.
A whole object discarded.

A failed joint can make usable furniture feel beyond repair. This project asks how a new connection could keep the existing panels in use.

A failed joint can make usable furniture feel beyond repair. This project asks how a new connection could keep the existing panels in use.

A failed joint can make usable furniture feel beyond repair. This project asks how a new connection could keep the existing panels in use.

THE SYSTEM

THE SYSTEM

THE SYSTEM

60° / 90° / 120°

60° / 90° / 120°

60° / 90° / 120°

Three connector angles. One adjustable grip. A steel body, protective insert, bolt, and oversized knob hold panels through pressure.

Three connector angles. One adjustable grip. A steel body, protective insert, bolt, and oversized knob hold panels through pressure.

Three connector angles. One adjustable grip. A steel body, protective insert, bolt, and oversized knob hold panels through pressure.

Designed to release and reconnect as furniture changes.

Designed to release and reconnect as furniture changes.

Designed to release and reconnect as furniture changes.

HOW IT WORKS

HOW IT WORKS

HOW IT WORKS

A connection you can undo.

A connection you can undo.

01

Choose

Select the connector angle for the repair.

02

Position

Align both edges; add a protective pad to the thinner panel.

03

Tighten

Turn the oversized knob until the joint grips.

04

Release

Loosen, disassemble, and reuse the connection.

RESEARCH

RESEARCH

RESEARCH

01

Reclaimed material

Micaella Pedros demonstrated new uses for reclaimed material. Her heat-formed joints prompted a search for a simpler assembly method.

02

Adjustable fit

Standard Products showed the potential of printed connectors. Fixed dimensions highlighted the need to accommodate different panel thicknesses.

03

An invitation to repair

Carl Clerkin’s practice framed repair as participation. The connection and its instructions needed to feel approachable.

DESIGN OPPORTUNITY

DESIGN OPPORTUNITY

DESIGN OPPORTUNITY

Let the connection adapt to the material.

Let the connection adapt to the material.

Let the connection adapt to the material.

Adjustable. Reversible. Easy to understand.

Adjustable. Reversible. Easy to understand.

DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT

Three tests that changed the design.

Three tests that changed the design.

01 — Choose grip. Clamp trials offered a more stable repair connection than the hinge concept.

02 — Account for the bend. Steel trials exposed how thickness and bend angle affect the fit.

03 — Change orientation. Rotating the print resolved repeated failures, with a longer print time.

FEA VALIDATION

FEA VALIDATION

FEA VALIDATION

Less material. A better-resolved bend.

Less material. A better-resolved bend.

A cantilever simulation in Fusion 360 compared solid and lighter 90° connectors under the same loading setup.

A cantilever simulation in Fusion 360 compared solid and lighter 90° connectors under the same loading setup.

A cantilever simulation in Fusion 360 compared solid and lighter 90° connectors under the same loading setup.

Stress at the bend guided changes to the transition radius and thickness. Physical testing is the next step.

Stress at the bend guided changes to the transition radius and thickness. Physical testing is the next step.

Stress at the bend guided changes to the transition radius and thickness. Physical testing is the next step.

Development evidence · simulation, not a certified load rating

Development evidence · simulation, not a certified load rating

01 / Solid version — low displacement; scope to reduce material.

02 / Lighter version — more displacement; bend geometry refined.

FORM + CMF

FORM + CMF

FORM + CMF

Made to be seen. Shaped to be held.

Made to be seen. Shaped to be held.

A generous knob and softened profile make the adjustment easier to read and grip.

A generous knob and softened profile make the adjustment easier to read and grip.

A generous knob and softened profile make the adjustment easier to read and grip.

Blue gives the repair a visible identity within the furniture.

Blue gives the repair a visible identity within the furniture.

Blue gives the repair a visible identity within the furniture.

FINAL SYSTEM

Ready for another connection.

Ready for another connection.

The proposed kit brings connectors, protective inserts, knobs, and a graphic assembly guide into one system.

The proposed kit brings connectors, protective inserts, knobs, and a graphic assembly guide into one system.

The proposed kit brings connectors, protective inserts, knobs, and a graphic assembly guide into one system.

Designed to preserve usable panels and make future disassembly possible.

Designed to preserve usable panels and make future disassembly possible.

Designed to preserve usable panels and make future disassembly possible.

IN CONTEXT / Repairmaxxing exhibition, Chelsea College of Arts.

THE GUIDE / Angle selection, thickness adjustment, and assembly.

LIMITATIONS / NEXT STEPS

LIMITATIONS / NEXT STEPS

LIMITATIONS / NEXT STEPS

The next test is everyday use.

The next test is everyday use.

Printed prototypes, a steel trial, and simulation established the direction. The final steel system still needs testing on damaged furniture, varied panel thicknesses, and repeated assembly.

Printed prototypes, a steel trial, and simulation established the direction. The final steel system still needs testing on damaged furniture, varied panel thicknesses, and repeated assembly.

Printed prototypes, a steel trial, and simulation established the direction. The final steel system still needs testing on damaged furniture, varied panel thicknesses, and repeated assembly.

Validate grip and loads, refine adjustment, then expand the connector family.

Validate grip and loads, refine adjustment, then expand the connector family.

Validate grip and loads, refine adjustment, then expand the connector family.