Hardware bar assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware bar assemblies for cabinetry and furniture face challenges in finding replacement handles that match various fastener mounting patterns, leading to difficulties in procurement and installation, especially for non-standard pre-drilled holes.
Innovation Solution
A bar assembly with a guide and adjustable posts that can be manually grasped, featuring a slot with a consistent cross-section and collars for linear adjustment, allowing for secure fastening to different mounting patterns without requiring additional tools or adjustments, and utilizing sleeves and pins for tension and compression to lock the assembly in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bar assembly uses fixed fastener mounting patterns, then the manufacturing and installation process is simple, but it cannot accommodate various mounting patterns especially non-standard pre-drilled holes
Solution Approach 1:
The bar assembly employs adjustable posts that can be positioned at multiple locations along the bar length, transforming a static fixed-mounting system into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the same bar assembly to adapt to various mounting patterns including non-standard pre-drilled holes by simply repositioning the posts rather than redesigning the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar assembly is divided into modular components: the bar body, multiple adjustable posts, collars for positioning, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each post to different mounting locations while maintaining the integrity of the overall assembly, providing versatility without requiring complete redesign for different mounting patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bar assembly includes multiple adjustable components, then it can fit various mounting patterns, but the installation and adjustment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bar assembly incorporates self-aligning features where collars slide along the bar to automatically position posts at correct locations, and fastening mechanisms that self-lock into place. This self-service design reduces the need for complex manual adjustment procedures, making installation straightforward even with multiple adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The posts are pre-equipped with collars and fastening mechanisms during manufacturing, so that during installation, users only need to slide the posts to desired positions and tighten the fasteners. The preliminary preparation of components eliminates the need for on-site assembly or complex adjustment procedures, simplifying the installation process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the posts are secured tightly to the bar, then the assembly is stable, but the posts cannot be adjusted to different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism employs a dynamic locking system where posts can be easily moved to different positions along the bar, and once positioned, the same mechanism provides secure locking. This dynamic design allows the assembly to transition between adjustable and stable states as needed, rather than being permanently fixed in one configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment and locking process occurs in periodic cycles: the post is moved to a desired position, then the fastening mechanism is engaged to lock it in place. This periodic action between adjustment and stabilization allows the assembly to achieve both adjustability and stability at different stages of use.
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 center-to-center capability and efficient installation, enabling the bar assembly to fit various mounting patterns without needing adjustments, thus simplifying the replacement and installation process for handles in cabinetry and furniture.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of pins is under compression between the bar and the support surface
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of pins 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 plurality of posts is under tension and the plurality of sleeves are under compression, to thereby lock the plurality of posts along the guide
Implementation Method 4
the plurality of posts is under tension and the plurality of sleeves are under compression, to thereby lock the plurality of posts along the guide
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.