Friction-Lining Fitting for Height-Adjustable Table Clamping Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable tables with clamping mechanisms are prone to losing their clamped position when bumped, leading to potential sagging of the table top, and are often heavy, complex, and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A fitting system that allows for secure clamping of a table top to a column at various heights, featuring abutment sections with friction linings, clamping parts that can be moved between release and clamping positions, and an actuating element for easy height adjustment and secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple clamping mechanism is used for height adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining clamped position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into two separate fitting parts (first fitting part and second fitting part) that can be inserted from opposite directions. Each part has its own abutment section with friction lining, distributing the clamping function across multiple independent elements rather than relying on a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Friction linings are applied specifically to the abutment sections where contact with the column occurs. This localized friction enhancement provides reliable clamping at the critical contact points without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire fitting structure.
2Reliability
If a secure clamping mechanism is used to prevent sagging, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is segmented into two fitting parts with separate abutment sections, each contributing to the overall clamping stability. This segmentation provides reliable fixation without requiring a single complex clamping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction linings on the abutment sections provide self-enhancing clamping through friction between the fitting parts and the column. The system uses its own operational characteristics (friction) to maintain clamping without additional complex locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the table top is easily adjustable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of fixed position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting system dynamically transitions between two states: a release state where the abutment sections are spaced from the column allowing free movement, and a clamping state where the abutment sections contact the column providing stable fixation. This dynamic state change enables both easy adjustment and stable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the friction parameter at the abutment sections by transitioning from a low-friction state (spaced from column) to a high-friction state (contacting column with friction linings). This parameter change enables easy movement during adjustment and stable fixation when clamped.
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 fitting system enables simple, quick, and secure height adjustments of the table top while preventing unintended changes in height, resulting in a lightweight, cost-effective, and stable height-adjustable table.
Implementation Method 1
The two abutment sections may each have a friction lining. The friction lining increases the friction between the fitting parts and the column.
Implementation Method 2
The table top is suspended off-center on the rod so that the table top's own weight provides the contact pressure necessary for fixing by clamping.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for clamping a table top at different heights to a, preferably obliquely aligned, column extending through the fitting, includes a first and a second fitting part each having an abutment section for abutment against the column from opposite directions, at least one clamping part movable into a release position and a clamping position, and an actuating element movable relative to the fitting parts for moving the clamping part between the release position and the clamping position. Furthermore, this relates to a height-adjustable table having a table frame with a, preferably obliquely aligned, column, a table top, and said fitting arranged at the table top.