Furniture Joining System with Front-Access Leveller for Rear Feet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining and levelling systems for furniture require visible and bulky holes or caps for adjustment, which compromise aesthetics and create obstacles, and often struggle with limited space access for rear joints and levelling feet, necessitating separate devices or difficult actuation.
Innovation Solution
A compact joining system with a leveller that uses interlocking plugs and a grub screw mechanism, allowing front access for easy assembly and adjustment of both front and rear feet, with only minimal visible holes, eliminating the need for bulky caps and enabling operation in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate joining and levelling devices are used, then joining and levelling functions are provided, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the joining device and levelling device into a single integrated unit. The joining device includes a joining element for connecting furniture parts and a levelling element for adjusting the furniture's level, both contained within one structural assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate devices while providing both functions, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If visible holes and bulky caps are used for adjustment, then access for adjustment is provided, but aesthetics are compromised and obstacles are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment mechanism from visible external caps and integrates it into the furniture structure itself. The joining and levelling elements are positioned within the furniture assembly such that adjustment can be performed through existing structural openings or from accessible sides, eliminating the need for bulky external caps that compromise aesthetics and create obstacles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rear feet and rear joints are accessed from below, then joining and levelling are provided, but ease of adjustment is reduced due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the access approach by enabling adjustment of rear feet and rear joints from the front or side of the furniture rather than from below. The joining and levelling elements are configured to allow actuation through front-accessible openings or along the sides of the furniture, reversing the conventional bottom-up access method and significantly improving ease of operation in limited spaces.
4Ease of manufacture
If large holings are provided for tool access, then assembly and adjustment are enabled, but aesthetic value is lowered and obstacles are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing small, localized access openings positioned strategically for tool insertion rather than large holings. These minimal openings are sufficient for inserting adjustment tools while maintaining the overall aesthetic continuity of the furniture surface. The access points are designed to be as small and unobtrusive as possible while still enabling complete assembly and adjustment functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A joining system with a leveller for parts of furniture and furnishing items with a bottom (12) and shoulders (11) of the type comprising, in combination: at least one unit with a front foot (14) and at least one unit with a rear foot (15), wherein each front-and rear-foot unit (14, 15) comprises a connection group (GC) and a blocking group (GB)and a levelling group (GL) that can be maneuvered by means of tools, wherein the connection group (GC) and blocking group (GB)of the front-and rear-foot units (14, 15) can be actuated from the front with respect to the piece of furniture through the space between the bottom (12) and the floor, where as the levelling group (GL) of each front-and rear-foot unit(14, 15) can be maneuvered by means of a tool(35) that can be inserted in a small hole (34) formed in the bottom (12) above, and aligned with each front foot and rear foot (14, 15).