Furniture Joint Sleeve for Hidden Table Panel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for furniture components, particularly for large tables, fail to align and connect panels accurately and aesthetically, requiring separate devices and tools, and often result in visible attachments that are unattractive.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device comprising a sleeve with a holding section that engages with a third furniture component, allowing the first and second furniture components to be aligned and connected via a twisting mechanism, providing both perpendicular and parallel clamping forces, thus ensuring precise alignment and hidden attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connecting devices are used to connect furniture panels to the substructure, then the connection function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function and connection function into a single integrated connecting device. The alignment element and connection element work together in one mechanism, eliminating the need for separate devices. This merging approach maintains reliable connection while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it aligns the furniture panel vertically with the substructure, connects the panel to the substructure, and provides clamping force. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining connection reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional connecting devices are used, then connection is achieved, but alignment precision and vertical alignment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment element performs the alignment function before the connection is finalized. By pre-aligning the furniture panel vertically with the substructure, the device ensures precise positioning is achieved before clamping forces are applied, making the assembly process easier and more accurate.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment element acts as an intermediary between the furniture panel and the connection element. It mediates the alignment process by guiding the panel into the correct vertical position before the connection element secures the assembly, thereby improving alignment precision without complicating the operation.
3Reliability
If connecting devices are attached directly to the underside of panel elements, then connection is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is extracted from the visible surface of the furniture panel and repositioned to attach to the side surface. This extraction of the connection mechanism from the aesthetic field maintains connection reliability while improving the aesthetic appearance by hiding the attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection point is moved from the vertical dimension (underside of the panel) to the horizontal dimension (side surface of the panel). This dimensional change allows the connection to be made while keeping the attachment elements less visible, thereby improving aesthetic appearance without compromising connection reliability.
4Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for alignment and connection, then connection function is achieved, but assembly time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment element and connection element are merged into a single integrated device that performs both functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate alignment and connection operations, thereby improving assembly speed while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device enables continuous useful action by performing alignment and connection in a single integrated operation. The alignment element prepares the position while the connection element secures the assembly, creating a continuous process that improves productivity without sacrificing connection reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The connecting device has two brackets (6a,6b), where one bracket is provided for attachment to a furniture component (1), and another bracket is provided for attachment to another furniture component (2). A sleeve (21) is equipped with a holding portion which is engaged to a holding medium (31) of a third furniture component (14). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a component kit for manufacturing a frame for a furniture, particularly for a table; and (2) a table.