Furniture Fitting Segmented Housing for Compact Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture fittings for movable storage face challenges such as increased material and cost due to complex designs, limited adjustment range, and structural complexity, particularly in compact designs where space is constrained.

Innovation Solution

A furniture fitting with a fastening device featuring a rotatable screw actuating element that allows for secure fastening at both ends of the housing, using a locking mechanism with inclined surfaces for non-positive connection and adjustable positioning, enabling reliable attachment to furniture bodies and movable parts without significant material excess or complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an L-shaped second fitting part is used to accommodate the joint axes, then the fitting can be assembled, but material expenditure and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly feasibilityVSAvoidmaterial expenditure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting part is divided into two separate components: a first fitting part with a first joint axis and a second fitting part with a second joint axis. These segmented parts are connected through a connection element, eliminating the need for a complex L-shaped monolithic structure and reducing material expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first fitting part is received within a first recess and the second fitting part is received within a second recess, with both fitting parts and their respective recesses nested within the furniture body. This nesting arrangement accommodates the joint axes without requiring excessive material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If an L-shaped second fitting part is used, then the joint axes can be positioned, but the design becomes voluminous and compactness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint axis positioningVSAvoiddesign compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the fitting into separate first and second fitting parts with distinct joint axes, each part can be compactly positioned within its own recess, avoiding the voluminous L-shaped configuration while maintaining proper joint axis positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The joint axes are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations - the first joint axis in the first fitting part and the second joint axis in the second fitting part, connected through a connection element. This dimensional arrangement achieves proper positioning without requiring a voluminous L-shaped structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If an eccentric mechanism is used for fastening, then the fitting part can be secured, but the adjustment range is limited and recess size must be precisely matched

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism uses a movable fastening element that can be positioned at multiple locations along the connection element, providing dynamic adjustability. This allows the fitting to accommodate various recess sizes and positions while maintaining reliable fastening, unlike the fixed-range eccentric mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A connection element serves as an intermediary between the first and second fitting parts, with a fastening element that can be positioned at different locations. This intermediary mechanism provides versatile adjustment range and adapts to different recess dimensions without requiring precise size matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a handle pivot mechanism is used to press the bracket body, then the hinge can be secured, but the design becomes relatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring mechanismVSAvoidfurniture hinge design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting is segmented into distinct first and second fitting parts with separate fastening mechanisms, each independently secured within its own recess. This segmentation simplifies the overall design compared to a complex integrated handle pivot mechanism, while maintaining reliable securing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connection element acts as an intermediary between the first and second fitting parts, with a fastening element that provides the securing mechanism. This intermediary approach creates a simpler design compared to the handle pivot mechanism, while achieving reliable fastening through the movable fastening element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and reliable fastening system that simplifies assembly and adjustment, ensuring secure attachment while minimizing material usage and maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a fastening device with at least one movably mounted actuating element in the form of a rotatable screw, wherein by actuating the at least one actuating element, the first and/or second fitting part can be fastened to both end regions of the housing in the recess

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

By actuating the actuating element, at least one locking element is movable, so that the housing can be fastened by the at least one locking element in the recess of the furniture body and/or in the recess of the movable furniture part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening with inclined surfaces: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3818225B1Furniture fitting
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP3818225B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3818225B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3818225B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a furniture fitting (4) for the movable mounting of a furniture part (3) movably mounted relative to a furniture body (2), comprising: a first fitting part (5) for fixing to the furniture body (2), a second fitting part (6) for fixing to the movable furniture part (3), wherein the two fitting parts (5, 6) are pivotally connected to each other by at least one joint axis (33a, 33b, 17a), and the first fitting part (5) is designed to be inserted at least partly into a recess (15a) in the furniture body (2) and/or the second fitting part (6) is designed to be inserted at least partly into a recess (15b) in the movable furniture part (3), wherein the first and/or second fitting part (5, 6) has an elongated housing (6a, 8a) having two end regions (31a, 31b) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the at least one joint axis (33a, 33b, 17a) is arranged in a first end region (31a) of the housing (6a, 8a), wherein the first and/or second fitting part (5, 6) has a fixing device (32) having at least one movably mounted actuating element (32a) in the form of a rotatable screw, wherein, by means of an actuation of the at least one actuating element (32a), the first and/or second fitting part (5, 6) can be fixed in the recess (15a, 15b) in both end regions (31a, 31b) of the housing (6a, 8a).