Furniture Panel Connecting Bolt and Sleeve for Pull-Out Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting fittings for furniture panels, such as those made of chipboard or MDF, lack sufficient strength and security to ensure reliable and durable attachment, particularly when subjected to stress or pull-out forces.
Innovation Solution
A connecting fitting comprising a metal connecting bolt with a radial bolt projection and a plastic sleeve featuring barb-like ribs, where the bolt head is designed with a locking projection and inclined surfaces to securely engage with the sleeve, allowing for tool-free assembly and enhanced pull-out resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing connecting fittings are used for furniture panels, then assembly is simple, but the connection strength and pull-out resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting fitting is divided into two separate components: a connecting bolt with cutting-edge projections and a sleeve with barb-like ribs. The bolt is inserted first, then the sleeve is pressed onto the bolt, creating a segmented structure where each component contributes differently to the overall connection strength. The cutting-edge projections of the bolt engage with the panel bore, while the barb-like ribs of the sleeve provide additional anchoring, together achieving high pull-out resistance without requiring a monolithic complex design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting fitting combines different materials with complementary properties: the connecting bolt is made of metal (steel or stainless steel) providing high strength and cutting capability, while the sleeve is made of plastic (polypropylene or polyamide) providing flexibility and barb-like engagement. This composite material approach allows each material to contribute its optimal properties, achieving superior connection strength and pull-out resistance that neither material could achieve alone.
2Reliability
If a secure connection is achieved through complex anchoring mechanisms, then pull-out resistance improves, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting bolt is pre-formed with cutting-edge projections on its surface, and the sleeve is pre-formed with barb-like ribs on its outer surface. These features are created during manufacturing rather than requiring assembly-time operations. During assembly, the bolt is simply inserted into the panel bore, and the sleeve is pressed onto the bolt, allowing the pre-formed features to automatically engage and provide secure anchoring without requiring complex assembly operations or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting-edge projections on the bolt and the barb-like ribs on the sleeve are designed to automatically engage with the panel bore and each other during the insertion process. The bolt's cutting edges self-sharpen as they penetrate the panel material, and the sleeve's barbs self-anchor as they are pressed onto the bolt and into the panel. This self-service mechanism provides secure attachment without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures.
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 a strong and secure connection between furniture panels, enhancing the pull-out resistance and stability of the attachment, while allowing for easy assembly without tools, thereby improving the overall connecting effect.
Implementation Method 1
On its outer surface, the sleeve 20 has several barb-like ribs 25, which dig into the bore wall 3 when the sleeve is pressed into the bore
Implementation Method 2
The rear side of the bolt projection 13 facing the bolt shank 11 is designed as an inclined surface 15, and the sleeve transverse surface 22 forms the wall of a lateral sleeve opening that is open at the back
Implementation Method 3
The bolt head 12 has a detent projection 14 between the bolt shaft 11 and the bolt projection 13 on the side opposite the bolt projection 13. The locking recess 23 can be formed by a locking groove or, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, by a transverse opening
Data Source
Figure 1~5b
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting bolt (10) having a bolt shank (11) and a bolt head (12) which has a radially outwardly projecting bolt projection (13), the bolt head (12) having, according to the invention, a latching projection (14) between the bolt shank (11) and the bolt projection (13) on the side opposite the bolt projection (13).