Adjustable Furniture Fitting With Anti-Unscrewing Thread Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture fittings with adjustable plungers face difficulties in operation due to the challenge of maintaining thread interaction between internal and external threads, leading to complex designs and difficult assembly, especially when the threads are not visible and prone to loosening, making it hard to adjust the plunger length effectively.
Innovation Solution
A securing element, such as a one-way spring tongue, insertable bolt, or collar, is arranged on the inner lateral surface of the first tappet part to prevent complete unscrewing of the external thread from the internal thread, ensuring constant interaction and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the threaded connection is made adjustable to allow length adjustment of the plunger, then the adaptability of the furniture fitting is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to possible complete separation of the two ram parts
Solution Approach 1:
A securing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the two ram parts. This securing element has a first engagement portion that engages with the internal thread of the first ram part and a second engagement portion that engages with the external thread of the second ram part, preventing complete separation while maintaining adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is pre-installed on one of the ram parts before assembly. This preliminary action ensures that when the two ram parts are assembled with their threaded connection, the securing element is already in position to prevent complete unscrewing, thus maintaining reliability from the start
2Ease of operation
If the threaded connection is made loose to allow easy adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional securing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to engage locally at specific positions on the threaded connection. The first engagement portion engages with the internal thread at a first position, and the second engagement portion engages with the external thread at a second position, providing targeted restraint without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire connection
3Shape
If the threads are made non-visible for aesthetic reasons, then the appearance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the operator cannot see the threads for proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to perform its function automatically without requiring visual inspection or manual intervention for alignment. The engagement portions self-align and engage with the respective threads, and the securing element prevents over-unscrewing automatically, making the operation independent of visual feedback
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 solution facilitates easy and secure adjustment of the plunger length, simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces friction, and enhances the operational safety and cost-effectiveness of the furniture fitting by ensuring the threads remain engaged, thus improving usability and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the securing element is in the form of a one-way spring tongue which is arranged on the first plunger part
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A furniture fitting with a slide (3) which is moveable linearly in relation to a housing (2) and has a first slide part (4) with an internal thread (6) and a second slide part (5) with a external thread (7) interacting with the internal thread (6), wherein the length of the slide is adjustable by rotation of the external thread (7) relative to the internal thread (6), and a securing element (8) which prevents the external thread (7) from unscrewing completely from the internal thread (6) is provided.