A bar for supporting a table

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture support bars require multiple tools and are costly to produce in specific lengths, making it inefficient to connect horizontal or vertical bars of varying lengths for stable table or desk configurations without welding, which is undesirable for transportation and reconfiguration.

Innovation Solution

An angle-shaped bar with longitudinal extensions, featuring holes and ridges that allow for easy connection and stabilization of two bars together, enabling the formation of longer bars with increased stability and flexibility in assembly, using fastening means like screws or nuts, and allowing for varying lengths with a single type of bar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bars are made in specific lengths to match tables or desks, then the stability and fit are improved, but the manufacturing cost and time increase due to requiring one set of tools per specific length

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bar is divided into multiple segments of equal length, where each segment can be connected to form bars of varying total lengths. This segmentation allows a single standardized segment to be used repeatedly to create different configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools for different lengths while maintaining structural stability through standardized connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bars are connected to form longer bars, then the adaptability to different table sizes is improved, but the connection complexity increases requiring welding or multiple tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different table sizesVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection features (holes and ridges) are merged into the bar structure itself, allowing segments to connect through a simple standardized mechanism. The ridge provides alignment and positioning while holes accommodate fastening means, combining multiple connection functions into a single integrated solution that reduces complexity compared to welding or requiring multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bar segment design incorporates universal connection features that can be used for various connection purposes - connecting to tables of different sizes, joining multiple segments together, and providing structural support. The standardized holes and ridges serve multiple functions including alignment, fastening, and structural reinforcement, making the same component adaptable to different configurations without requiring specialized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If welding is used to connect bars, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of reconfiguration and transportation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic, reversible connection using fastening means through holes and ridges. This allows the structure to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured for different table sizes or transportation needs while maintaining structural strength through proper fastening, eliminating the permanent commitment of welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3747312A1A bar for supporting a table
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 ROL ERGO
  • EP3747312A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3747312A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3747312A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present inventive concept relates to a bar (100) for supporting a table, comprising an angle shaped bar having a longitudinal extension, comprising a first side (1) and a second side (2) extending perpendicular relative each other, at least one first hole (11) through the first side (1) of the angle shaped bar, adapted for connecting two bars together longitudinally so as to form a longer bar, a ridge (4), extending along the longitudinal edge of the first side (1) of the angle shaped bar, wherein the ridge (4) is adapted to longitudinally limit movement of connected bars.