Continuous Threaded Connection System for Modular Furniture Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection systems for furniture and trade fair construction, such as scratching posts, lack stability due to the use of short threaded elements that can loosen or break under transverse forces, particularly when post elements are made of wood.
Innovation Solution
A connection system utilizing a continuous threaded connecting means that extends through multiple post elements and plate elements, with a spacer sleeve and washers to create a stable, friction-locked connection, and a lock nut to secure the elements together, providing increased stability and resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If short threaded elements are used to connect post elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and reliability of the connection deteriorates under transverse forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system divides the connection function into multiple components: continuous threaded connecting means for longitudinal connection, spacer sleeves for positioning, washers for load distribution, and lock nuts for securing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific function, improving overall reliability while keeping individual components simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer sleeves are pre-positioned in the post elements before assembly, establishing precise spacing and alignment. The continuous threaded connecting means is prepared to extend through all post elements, and washers are positioned on the connecting means before final assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures proper alignment and reduces assembly complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional threaded connections are used in wooden post elements, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the connection strength deteriorates over time due to loosening and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous threaded connecting means extends uninterrupted through all post elements, creating a continuous load path that distributes forces evenly along the entire connection. This eliminates the weak points created by multiple discrete threaded elements and prevents stress concentration that leads to loosening and breakage over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows for controlled adjustment through the threaded mechanism while maintaining structural integrity. The lock nut secures the connection in its final position, transforming the dynamic adjustment capability into a static, high-strength connection that resists loosening under varying loads.
3Reliability
If a continuous threaded connecting means is used to extend through multiple post elements, then the stability and reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous threaded connecting means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects post elements longitudinally, provides adjustment capability through threading, distributes loads evenly along its length, and works in conjunction with lock nuts and washers to create a complete friction-locked connection system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer sleeves act as intermediaries between the continuous threaded connecting means and the post elements, providing bearing surfaces for friction-locked connection and precise positioning. The washers serve as intermediaries between the lock nut and the wood, distributing the clamping force over a larger area to prevent damage while maintaining connection strength.
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 significantly enhances the stability of the connection between post and plate elements, preventing play and breakage under transverse forces, and allows for the use of wood materials while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
suitable for connecting the at least two post elements to one another and/or the at least one plate element to one or more post elements in a friction-locked manner
Implementation Method 2
In one of the post elements, a spacer sleeve that can be screwed onto the continuous connecting means is embedded, which has an abutment on the face side in the region of one of the plate elements
Implementation Method 3
at least one continuous threaded connecting means extending in the longitudinal direction extends through at least one post element
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connection system for components in furniture or exhibition stand construction, comprising at least one post element (10a), preferably two post elements (10a, 10b) approximately aligned with each other and to be connected to each other, and at least one plate element (11) to be connected to this one post element or to two or more post elements (10a, 10b), which extends approximately orthogonally to the post element(s) (10a, 10b), and further comprising connecting means and fastening elements suitable for force-fit connection of the at least two post elements (10a, 10b) to each other and/or the at least one plate element (11) to one or more post elements (10a, 10b), wherein, according to the invention, at least one continuous threaded connecting means (12) extends longitudinally through at least one post element, preferably two post elements (10a, 10b) to be connected to each other.10 b) and extends through at least one plate element (11) and is received in each of the bores of the post element(s), and a spacer sleeve (13) that can be screwed onto the continuous connecting element (12) is embedded in at least one of the post elements, the spacer sleeve having a support on its end face in the area of one of the plate elements (11). The connection system according to the invention can be used, for example, for cat trees.