Frame of an item of furniture, in particular chair or table frame, and chair or a table with such a frame of an item of furniture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional furniture frames with foot rings lack user-friendly height adjustment mechanisms, making it difficult to customize the comfort settings according to individual needs, especially when the foot ring height adjustment is not independent of the support column's height adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A furniture frame with a support column featuring a fastening device comprising a first threaded bushing connected to the column and a second threaded bushing connected to the foot ring, allowing for axial adjustment through rotary movement, and a locking element that can be moved between operating positions to block or release the adjustment, enabling independent height adjustment of the foot ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the foot ring is fixed at a predetermined height on the cross base, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot adjust the height to customize comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustability of foot ringVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is segmented into two independent threaded bushings: a first threaded bushing connected to the support column and a second threaded bushing connected to the foot ring. This segmentation allows the foot ring height to be adjusted independently of the support column height, providing customization without requiring a complete redesign of the support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second threaded bushing is nested within or alongside the first threaded bushing, with the internal thread of the second bushing engaging with the external thread of the first bushing. This nested arrangement enables compact integration of the adjustment mechanism while maintaining independent adjustability, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the foot ring height is adjusted independently of the support column, then user comfort is optimized, but the fastening device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of foot ring height adjustmentVSAvoidstructure of fastening device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded bushing mechanism provides self-service adjustment capability, where the user can independently adjust the foot ring height by rotating the second threaded bushing relative to the first, without requiring assistance or complex control systems. The locking element further enhances this by automatically maintaining the adjusted position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary between the two threaded bushings, preventing relative movement when engaged and allowing it when disengaged. This intermediary component simplifies the operation by providing a clear lock/unlock mechanism that controls the adjustment process, making the system easier to operate despite the presence of multiple threaded components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional adjustment, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of foot ring positionVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted as a separate, distinct element from the threaded bushings themselves. This locking element can be engaged or disengaged independently to either prevent or allow relative movement between the first and second threaded bushings, providing stability when needed without permanently complicating the adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 user-friendly and customizable height adjustment of the foot ring, allowing users to optimize comfort by positioning the foot ring freely on the support column, independent of the support column's length adjustment, enhancing user experience and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

The internal thread of the second threaded bushing is in engagement with the external thread of the first threaded bushing and the second threaded bushing can be rotated around the first threaded bushing by at least one revolution, so that the second threaded bushing can be moved in the axial direction relative to the first threaded bushing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew threading: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2910146B1Frame of an item of furniture, in particular chair or table frame, and chair or a table with such a frame of an item of furniture
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 VS VER SPEZIALMOBELFABEN
  • EP2910146B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2910146B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2910146B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A furniture frame (10), such as in particular a chair or table frame, has a support column (16) with a longitudinal axis (17); a furniture leg (12) for supporting the support column (16); a foot ring (24); and a fastening device with which the foot ring (24) is attached to the support column (16) so that it can be adjusted in the axial direction. The fastening device contains a first threaded bushing (22) which is arranged coaxially with the support column (16) and is non-rotatably connected to the support column (16) and has an external thread (28); a second threaded bush (34) which is arranged coaxially to the support column (16) and is non-rotatably connected to the foot ring (24) and has an internal thread (36), the internal thread (36) of the second threaded bush (34) having the external thread ( 28) of the first threaded bushing (22) is engaged and the second threaded bushing (34) can be rotated around the first threaded bushing (22) by at least one revolution, so that the second threaded bushing (34) moves in the axial direction relative to the first threaded bushing (22). can be; and a locking element (38) which can be moved between a first operating position and a second operating position, in the first operating position it preventing relative movement between the first and second threaded bushings (22, 34) and in the second operating position relative movement between the first and the second threaded bushing (22, 34) releases.