Adjustable Hardware Bar Assembly for Non-Standard Fastener Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware bar assemblies for cabinetry and furniture often require specific fastener mounting patterns, making it difficult to find replacement handles that match and mount correctly, especially for non-standard patterns, and they wear out over time.
Innovation Solution
A bar assembly with a guide and adjustable posts that can be manually grasped, featuring a plurality of posts and sleeves to accommodate various fastener patterns, allowing for adjustable center-to-center mounting distances and secure locking mechanisms using compression and tension forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed fastener mounting pattern is used, then the manufacturing and installation process is simple, but the adaptability to different cabinetry and furniture pieces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The bar assembly incorporates adjustable posts that can be repositioned along the bar to accommodate different fastener mounting patterns. The posts are movable and can be locked at various positions, transforming a static mounting solution into a dynamic one that adapts to different installation requirements while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through guided adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: the bar, multiple adjustable posts, and fasteners. This segmentation allows each post to be independently positioned and adjusted to match specific mounting patterns, providing versatility without requiring the entire assembly to be complex. Each segment can be configured separately for different installation scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If standard fastener spacing is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation for non-standard patterns is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable posts can be repositioned along the bar to match non-standard fastener spacing requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables easy installation on various cabinetry and furniture pieces regardless of their specific mounting patterns, while the guided adjustment mechanism keeps the operational complexity manageable through intuitive positioning and locking.
3Reliability
If compression force is applied to lock posts, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the durability of the support surface may be reduced due to concentrated load
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force that could potentially damage the support surface is converted into a beneficial locking mechanism. The pins are intentionally compressed between the bar and support surface to create friction and mechanical interlocking that secures the bar firmly. The enlarged surfaces on the pins distribute this compressive force to enhance reliability while minimizing surface damage through controlled load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system balances the compressive force applied to lock the posts with the tensile strength of the pins and the mechanical interlocking provided by the enlarged surfaces. This counterbalancing of forces ensures reliable fastening while the load is distributed across multiple contact points, preventing excessive concentration on any single point of the support surface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides an adjustable and secure handle assembly that can be easily installed on various cabinetry and furniture pieces with non-standard mounting patterns, offering improved durability and ease of replacement, as it can be adjusted to fit different spacings without requiring additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
the fastened first plurality of posts apply compression to the second plurality of posts between the support surface and the bar or the first plurality of posts
Implementation Method 2
Each pin includes an enlarged surface relative to a body of the pin to contact the support surface to distribute a compression load upon the support surface
Implementation Method 3
the second plurality of posts are further provided with a plurality of sleeves, each sized to receive one of the plurality of posts
Implementation Method 4
The posts each have a corresponding radially asymmetrical profile sized to extend through the bores in the sleeves and prevent rotation of the sleeves relative to the posts
Implementation Method 5
the plurality of fasteners tightens the posts against the bar to lock the posts along the guide
Implementation Method 6
the body of each of the plurality of posts is internally threaded. Each of the plurality of fasteners is externally threaded and sized to be received in the internally threaded bodies of the plurality of posts
Data Source
AI summary
A bar assembly is provided with a bar sized to be grasped manually with a guide formed at least partially along a length. A plurality of posts is provided, each in cooperation with the guide of the bar to fasten the bar to a support surface at various fastener mounting patterns. A method to install a bar assembly aligns a post with an aperture in a support surface. A bar is provided that is sized to be grasped manually. The bar is slid into engagement with the post. A fastener is installed to the post from an inside of the support surface. The fastener is tightened until the bar is secured in the post and the post is secured to the support surface.