Furniture Connection Fitting With Multi-Surface Latching Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting fittings for furniture parts are limited in their ability to securely fasten two parts in various orientations, lacking versatility in mounting surfaces and locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A connecting fitting with a base body featuring multiple mounting surfaces, including parallel, angled, and comb-shaped surfaces, equipped with latching elements and a transverse groove system, allowing for secure fastening in multiple orientations and angular alignments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a connecting fitting uses a single mounting surface design, then the structure is simple, but it cannot securely fasten furniture parts in various orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting orientation versatilityVSAvoidfitting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting part is designed with multiple mounting surfaces (first, second, third, and fourth mounting surfaces) that can engage with corresponding counter-mounting surfaces in different orientations. This allows a single fitting part to serve multiple mounting functions, enabling secure fastening in various orientations without requiring multiple different fitting types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting part is divided into distinct functional segments: a base body with multiple mounting surfaces, locking elements for securing, and a comb-shaped surface profile for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall versatility of the connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a connecting fitting uses multiple locking mechanisms, then the connection strength increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated locking element that interacts with the comb-shaped surface profile. The locking element combines retention and positioning functions, achieving strong connections without requiring separate manufacturing processes for multiple independent locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a connecting fitting provides multiple mounting surfaces, then the adaptability to different orientations improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular alignment flexibilityVSAvoidbase body complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting part employs asymmetric design elements, particularly the comb-shaped surface profile with alternating high and deep profile steps. This asymmetric structure provides multiple engagement positions for different orientations while maintaining a compact base body, allowing angular alignment flexibility without proportionally increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4341566B1Connection fitting for connecting two furniture parts, corresponding connection fitting and corresponding furniture assembly
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 HAEFELE SE & CO KG
  • EP4341566B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4341566B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1f
  • EP4341566B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d

AI summary

In a fitting part (1) of a connection fitting (21), according to the invention a main body (2) has at least one of the following mounting faces (8a-8d): - a first mounting face (8a), which is disposed on a first longitudinal end (5a) of the main body (2), is arranged parallel or at an angle to the fastening face, in particular perpendicular thereto, and has at least one latching element (17, 18), - a second mounting face (8b), which is disposed on a second longitudinal end (5b) of the main body (2), is arranged with respect to the fastening face at an inclination about the longitudinal axis (3) or an axis extending parallel thereto, and has at least one latching element (17, 18), - a third mounting face (8c), which is formed by a groove base of a transverse groove (12) in the main body (2), said groove being open on one or both sides, is arranged parallel or at an angle to the fastening face, in particular perpendicular thereto, and has at least one latching element (16, 17), and - a fourth mounting face (8d), which is formed on another longitudinal side (4d) of the main body (2), is arranged parallel or perpendicular to the fastening face and, when viewed in the transverse direction, has a comb-like surface profile (19).