Comparative reliability analysis of selected joints for case furniture

Abstract

Specific reliability parameters are used to determine the durability and safety of a furniture structure. An experimental study was conducted to determine the probability of failure free time and compare the reliability and hazard rates of selected joints used in case furniture. The investigations were performed on samples of joints with a connector of the screw, dowel, or eccentric type. Altogether, 600 samples were tested. The reliability tests were conducted on a specially designed laboratory stand. The reliability characteristics of the individual joints were used to designate the most reliable type of joint. The hazard rate of the dowel joint was about 8 times that of the confirmat screw joint. In the case of the eccentric joint, the hazard rate was as much as 57 times higher than it was for the screw joint. The test method presented here for determining the reliability of joints aid in the selection of a connector type during case furniture design.