Furniture Base Positioning with Adjustable Piston Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base-positioning devices for furniture face difficulties in assembly, particularly with low bases, requiring significant skill and often necessitating multiple people due to the need for precise alignment and the use of different devices for varying base heights, and suffer from elastic elements losing their properties over time.
Innovation Solution
A base-positioning device unit featuring a supporting plate with a cylindrical piston charged by a spring, which can be adjusted to fit bases of different heights by using hooks and teeth to engage with the base's internal profile, allowing for easy assembly and secure positioning with a gasket that maintains contact with the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple anchoring elements are used to secure extended bases, then the base becomes more stable, but the assembly complexity increases and requires multiple people
Solution Approach 1:
The base-positioning device is divided into multiple independent anchoring elements (at least two) that can be assembled separately. Each anchoring element includes its own elastic element and connection means, allowing them to be installed independently rather than as a single complex unit, thereby maintaining stability while simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements are pre-assembled with the connection means (hooks or teeth) before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the anchoring elements to be ready for immediate installation, reducing the complexity and time required during the actual assembly process while ensuring proper positioning.
2Reliability
If different devices are used for high and low bases, then each device is optimized for its specific height, but the device complexity and variety increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base-positioning device is designed with adjustable connection means (hooks or teeth) that can engage with the base at different heights. The elastic element can be positioned at various vertical locations, allowing a single device design to accommodate both high and low bases, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable and adjustable components, particularly the connection means that can be positioned at different heights along the base. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device structure to adapt to varying base heights, providing versatility without compromising positioning reliability.
3Ease of operation
If elastic elements are used to maintain base position, then the assembly becomes easier, but the elastic elements lose their properties over time
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a stopper made of soft material that contacts the base to prevent over-compression of the elastic elements. This protective feature cushions the elastic elements from excessive stress during installation and use, extending their service life while maintaining assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of the elastic element's pre-compression state and positioning height. By optimizing these parameters, the elastic elements can maintain sufficient force for easy assembly while operating within safe stress limits that preserve their properties over time.
4Length of stationary object
If the foot height is reduced to keep bases low, then the furniture profile is more compact, but the foot cannot act as supporting means for the base
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting function for the base is extracted from the foot structure itself and transferred to the dedicated base-positioning device. The positioning device includes its own elastic elements and connection means that directly engage with the base, eliminating the need for the foot to provide structural support, thereby allowing feet to be minimized or removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The base-positioning device acts as an intermediary between the base and the foot (or floor). It provides the necessary supporting and positioning functions through its elastic elements and connection means, allowing the foot to be reduced in height or eliminated while maintaining base support reliability.
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
Enables simple, one-person assembly of bases on furniture with varying heights, ensuring secure positioning and maintaining contact without the need for multiple devices, while the spring-loaded mechanism maintains the base's position effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical piston (43) charged by a spring (44)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A base-positioning device unit (34, 40) for positioning said base (34) on feet (32) of pieces of furniture (30), comprises, in combination: a base (34) cooperating with a positioning device (40) equipped with a piston (43) acting between a bottom panel (33) of a piece of furniture (30) and a floor (31) on which said feet (32) rest. According to the invention, between said base (34) and said positioning device (40), there is a plurality of reciprocal engagement means (50, 51; 52, 52', 53) positioned at different heights.