Wall Cupboard Anchoring Bracket With Top-Access Hook Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable anchoring groups for wall cupboards are complex and non-intuitive, often requiring perforation of the lining for regulation, which is undesirable for aesthetically valuable cupboards like glass cabinets, and lack intuitive actuation for both vertical and horizontal adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An anchoring group with a flange fixed to the cupboard and a linearly movable cursor for vertical regulation, using parallel regulation screws to adjust the hook's position without holes in the lining, allowing both vertical and horizontal adjustments from above through a system of sliding rails and actuation screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the hanging bracket is fixed to the lining for aesthetic purposes, then the lining remains intact without holes, but the structural support is insufficient due to the thinness of the lining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholes in the liningVSAvoidstructural support
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a flange as an intermediary component that bridges the lining and the side shoulder. The flange is fixed to the structurally sound side shoulder and extends toward the lining, providing a mounting surface for the hanging bracket without requiring direct attachment to the thin lining. This mediator allows the bracket to be supported by the strong side shoulder while maintaining aesthetic appearance by avoiding holes in the lining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the anchoring group has complex structure for double regulation, then both vertical and horizontal adjustment are possible, but the actuation becomes non-intuitive and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedouble regulation capabilityVSAvoidactuation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the flange stationary and fixed to the side shoulder, while making the cursor movable relative to the flange. Instead of moving the flange to achieve regulation, the cursor moves along the flange's surface. This inversion simplifies the actuation mechanism, as the cursor can be easily positioned and locked at desired locations using simple locking elements that engage with features on the stationary flange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The cursor incorporates self-locking features where locking elements automatically engage with corresponding features on the flange when the cursor is positioned at regulation marks. The weight of the cupboard and the geometry of the engagement features provide automatic locking without requiring additional tools or complex actuation mechanisms, making the system self-servicing and intuitive to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If holes are made in the lining for tool passage to effect regulations, then adjustment is possible, but the aesthetic value of the cupboard is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidvisible holes in lining
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the regulation function from the lining entirely by relocating all adjustment mechanisms to the side shoulder and flange assembly. The cursor and locking elements are positioned on the flange, which is attached to the side shoulder away from the lining. This extraction allows full vertical and horizontal regulation capability while the lining remains completely intact and free of holes, preserving the aesthetic value of the cupboard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Shape

If the flange extends perpendicular to the side shoulder toward the lining, then the hanging bracket can be positioned close to the lining for aesthetics, but the flange may interfere with the thin lining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning near liningVSAvoidinterference with lining
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is designed to extend only partially toward the lining, just enough to provide a sufficient surface area for mounting the hanging bracket close to the lining for aesthetic purposes. The extension distance is carefully controlled to be less than the thickness of the lining, ensuring that the flange approaches but does not contact or interfere with the lining. This partial action achieves the aesthetic goal of positioning the bracket near the lining while avoiding harmful interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2696725B1Anchoring group for wall cupboards with regulation from above
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 LEONARDO
  • EP2696725B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2696725B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2696725B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An adjustable anchoring group (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) for the wall assembly (M) of wall cupboards (P) comprises a hanging bracket device (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) equipped with at least one anchoring flange (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) to a wall cupboard (P) and a hook (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D). Said group also comprises an anchoring plaque (101A, 101B, 101C, 101D) to a wall (M). According to the invention, said hanging bracket device (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) comprises a slide (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) which slides linearly with respect to said flange (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) in a first direction, said hook (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) being at least partly associated with said slide (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) and being movable with respect to the latter in at least a second direction substantially perpendicular with respect to said first direction, regulation means and actuation means, both accessible from above, being associated with said slide and said hook, respectively.