Joining and levelling module for parts of furniture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joining and levelling systems for furniture face challenges in eliminating unsightly access holes and actuating both front and rear units, especially when the space between the furniture base and the floor is minimal, making it difficult to access and maneuver tools effectively.
Innovation Solution
A joining and levelling module is designed with integrated units that are contained within the thickness of the base panel, using a plug-and-screw mechanism with a telescopic column and screw-nut system, allowing for compact assembly and access through pass-through holes, ensuring all units are contained within the panel thickness, even when space is limited.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional joining and levelling units are used with access holes, then tools can be accessed and operated, but the furniture has unsightly visible holes that compromise aesthetics and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the joining and levelling units from the traditional configuration with access holes in the panels. Instead, the units are mounted on the lower horizontal panel (base) and accessed from the space between the base and floor, removing the need for visible holes in the furniture panels entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the access dimension from horizontal (through panel holes) to vertical (from the space between base and floor). By positioning the operating surface of the joining units on the lower horizontal panel, access is achieved through the vertical gap between the base and floor rather than through horizontal holes in the visible panels.
2Length of stationary object
If the space between the base panel and floor is minimal, then the furniture has a compact profile, but it becomes difficult to access and maneuver tools for actuating joining and levelling units
Solution Approach 1:
The levelling units are designed with levelling feet that can be actuated through the limited space. The system allows the furniture to self-level through the mechanism where the levelling feet engage with the floor surface directly, requiring minimal manual intervention through the constrained space.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining units incorporate a telescopic column mechanism that provides dynamic adjustment capability. This allows the units to adapt to the limited space conditions while maintaining full functionality for joining panels, with the telescopic action enabling operation within constrained vertical dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If joining and levelling units are mounted traditionally, then they can be accessed from the front, but the units protrude beyond the panel thickness and require additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the joining units and levelling units into a single integrated assembly mounted on the lower horizontal panel. This combination allows both functions to be accessed through the same limited space between the base and floor, eliminating the need for separate mounting spaces and reducing overall volume requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining units utilize a telescopic column design where components are nested within each other. The telescopic column allows the joining mechanism to extend and retract, enabling full joining functionality while maintaining a compact profile that fits within the limited space between the base panel and floor.
Data Source
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AI summary
A joining and levelling module for parts of furniture and furnishing items in general, such as at least an assembly (20,120) consisting of a vertical panel (21,121) perpendicular to a floor (P) and a horizontal panel or base (22,122) with a visible front edge (B), parallel to said floor (P), wherein a first pair of joining units (25A,25P,125A,125P), front and rear respectively, and a second pair of levelling units (41A, 41P,141A,141P), front and rear respectively, are applied to said vertical and horizontal panels or base (21,22), said two pairs of joining and levelling units (25A,25P;41A, 41P,125A,125P,141A,141P) being operable from the front, characterized in that it consists of a box-shaped support-container (61,161), on which the above-mentioned units (25A,25P;125A,125P,41A,41P;141A,141P) are assembled.