Furniture Coupling Mechanism for Hidden Multi-Screw Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for joining furniture components are inefficient due to visible coupling means, requiring repetitive operations and varying stresses at different joining points, posing safety and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device that transforms rotary motion around a first axis into parallel rototranslatory motions, allowing multiple self-tapping or wood conical screws to advance in parallel directions, enabling simultaneous operation and uniform stress distribution across multiple axes, with a box-like body made of strong, lightweight materials like steel or aluminum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screws are used to join furniture elements, then the coupling function is achieved, but the screw heads become visible causing safety and appearance problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the visible screw heads from the final assembled product by using a coupling device where the actuation area is positioned in hidden or inaccessible areas of the furniture. The screws remain functional for joining elements but their heads are concealed within the coupling mechanism or positioned where they cannot be seen by the user.
2Reliability
If multiple individual screws are used to join furniture elements, then the coupling function is achieved, but repetitive operations increase time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple screw actuation operations into a single unified action. The coupling device incorporates multiple screws that can be actuated simultaneously or in sequence through a single actuation motion applied to the coupling mechanism, eliminating the need for repetitive individual screw operations and significantly reducing assembly time.
3Reliability
If coupling means are positioned away from access openings, then safety is improved by hiding them, but operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the contradiction by changing the spatial dimension of operation. The actuation area is positioned in hidden or inaccessible areas of the furniture (such as the rear or interior surfaces), while the actual coupling action occurs through a mechanical transmission mechanism that translates this remote actuation into screw movement. This allows the coupling means to be safely hidden while remaining operable through the coupling device's internal mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different driving torques are applied to multiple screws, then individual adjustment is possible, but stress distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a mechanical feedback mechanism that ensures uniform stress distribution across all screws. As the actuation force is applied, the device distributes the driving torque equally among all screws through its internal mechanical structure, preventing any single screw from bearing excessive stress while maintaining the ability to accommodate variations in material properties and joint conditions.
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 device allows for efficient, invisible coupling of furniture components, reducing repetitive operations and stress variations, enhancing safety and aesthetics by enabling simultaneous operation of multiple screws and uniform stress distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the driven bevel gear pairs are possibly multiple, however the implementation of this particular solution is not clearly described
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device (1) to join a first element (A) to a second element (B), comprising a box-like body (2) which presents appropriate connection means to connect to said first element (A) and inside which a shaft (3), rotating around an axis (X), is rotationally accommodated; said shaft (3) supports one or several driving gears (31), each of which co-operating with at least one driven gear (32) respectively, the latter being operationally connected to at least one assembly (4) that causes the rototranslation of at least one special screw (5) towards said second furniture element (B), wherein said at least one assembly (4) comprises an external hollow cylinder (42), rigidly connected to said box-like body (2) and presenting on its own inner surface one or several helicoidal grooves (421), said external hollow cylinder (42) being coaxial with a rotating internal hollow cylinder (41), the latter being integral with said driven gear (32) and presenting one or several longitudinal slots (411).