Furniture and fitting for furniture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling furniture fittings require the use of tools, making the process costly and time-consuming, especially in industrial production of large quantities.
Innovation Solution
The use of plug-in or snap-in connections for the connecting and holding elements, which eliminates the need for tools, allowing for a simpler and more economical assembly process, with options like tapered pegs, U-shaped receptacles, and adjustable spacers for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screwing methods are used to assemble fittings, then reliable connection is achieved, but assembly time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screwing mechanical system with a press-fit system using tapered pegs that utilize friction and geometric locking. The conical shape of the pegs transforms rotational screwing motion into linear pressing motion, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners while maintaining connection reliability through friction-based holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connection elements by using tapered/conical pegs instead of cylindrical screws. The varying diameter along the length of the peg creates a self-locking mechanism where the expanding contact area with depth provides progressive mechanical interlocking, transforming the connection from thread-dependent to geometry-dependent.
2Strength
If tool-based assembly methods are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the tool-dependent screwing process and embeds it directly into the peg-receptacle geometry. The self-locking conical shape and friction-based holding mechanism are built into the connection elements themselves, eliminating the need for external fastening tools while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed to perform their own fastening function through the press-fit mechanism. The tapered pegs automatically create the locking action during insertion, with the friction and geometric constraints providing self-regulating fastening strength without requiring external tools or additional fastening operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable fittings are designed to accommodate different furniture thicknesses, then versatility improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the adapter and receptacle components to serve multiple functions: the adapter provides both the mounting surface for the fitting and the interface for the tapered peg, while the receptacle serves as both the receiving element for the peg and the structural connector to the furniture part. This multi-functionality accommodates various thicknesses without requiring separate components for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is divided into modular components (connection element, adapter, receptacle, spacer) that can be independently selected and combined. The spacer element specifically addresses thickness variations by providing adjustable positioning, allowing the same basic fitting design to accommodate different furniture part thicknesses through simple component selection rather than complex adjustable mechanisms.
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
This approach significantly simplifies and speeds up the assembly process by eliminating the need for tools, enabling cost-effective production of furniture with secure and adjustable fittings that accommodate various furniture part thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
an adapter (9) with pins (14) which are pressed into bores (12) in the first furniture part (1) and held there by friction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Furniture comprising a first (1) and a second furniture part (2) which are movably connected to each other by means of opposing fittings (3), wherein each fitting (3) has a connecting element (4) held on the first furniture part (1) with a connecting tab (6) and a retaining element (5) movably attached to the connecting element (4) and connected to the second furniture part (2) and provided with a retaining tab (7), wherein the connecting element (4) on the first furniture part (1) and/or the retaining element (5) on the second furniture part (2) is held directly by a plug-in and/or snap-fit connection.