Joining device with leveller for external panels of parts of furniture and furnishing items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining devices for furniture parts, such as between a shoulder and a base, are complex, visible, and weaken the base due to intersecting holes, and require separate levelling devices, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and prone to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A joining device with a leveller that uses a pin and grub screw mechanism housed within the thickness of the shoulder and base, featuring a blocking group and levelling group integrated within half-shells, allowing for secure connection and levelling without visible protrusions or weakening of the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If holes are provided in the base for inserting blocking elements and levelling devices, then the joining function is achieved, but the base is weakened and visibility is created
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking group is segmented into separate functional components: the pin (33) that provides positioning, the grub screw (35) that provides securing, and the levelling leg (82) that provides levelling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while minimizing the overall impact on the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking group is reoriented from a perpendicular arrangement (intersecting holes) to a parallel arrangement along the thickness direction of the shoulder. The pin (33) is positioned in a horizontal hole in the base, while the grub screw (35) acts along the thickness direction of the shoulder, eliminating the need for intersecting holes in the base.
2Reliability
If holes and closing elements are used for joining, then the joining function is achieved, but visibility and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking group components (pin, grub screw, levelling leg) are extracted and positioned within the thickness of the shoulder panel rather than requiring holes in the base. The pin (33) is inserted in a horizontal hole in the base but positioned within the shoulder thickness, and the grub screw (35) and levelling leg (82) are contained within the shoulder, eliminating visible protrusions from the base surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-shells (39, 40) form a casing that houses the blocking group components within the shoulder thickness. This encapsulation allows the joining mechanism to be contained within the panel thickness, preventing visible protrusions and maintaining aesthetic appearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate levelling devices are provided, then levelling function is achieved, but device complexity and visibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The levelling function is merged with the blocking group. The levelling leg (82) is integrated into the blocking group housing formed by the half-shells (39, 40), combining the securing function (grub screw) and levelling function (adjustable leg) into a single integrated assembly that is contained within the shoulder panel thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking group is designed with multi-functionality: the pin (33) provides positioning, the grub screw (35) provides securing, and the levelling leg (82) provides levelling. This universal design eliminates the need for separate levelling devices, reducing overall device complexity and visibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a joining device with a leveller for external panels of parts of furniture and furnishing items, in particular between a first panel (11) and a second panel (12), which must be moved towards each other according to an approach direction (d) in order to bring the edge (B) of one panel abutted in a tightening position against a surface (S) of the other panel, the joining device consisting of a blocking group (GB) and a connection group (GC) assembled on the panels (11,12), wherein a levelling group (GL) is also provided in the device, inserted inside a same seat (S1) of the blocking group (GB), the seat (S1) being contained in a thickness (SP) of the panel (11) in which the blocking group (GB) and the levelling group (GL) are positioned, the seat (S1) having a longitudinal axis (X) which is perpendicular to the direction (d), and extending from an edge (B1) towards the interior of the first panel (11).