Adjustable Furniture Plunger With Anti-Unscrewing Thread Stop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture fittings with length-adjustable plungers face difficulties in operation due to complex constructions and visibility issues of threads, making it hard to re-establish threaded connections, especially when one plunger part is unscrewed fully, leading to increased complexity and difficulty in production.
Innovation Solution
A securing element, such as a one-way resilient tongue, collar, or push-in catch, is integrated on the first plunger part to prevent the external thread from being unscrewed completely, ensuring reliable interaction between internal and external threads for length adjustment, simplifying installation and production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stop is provided to prevent complete release of plunger parts, then the plunger parts cannot be released entirely, but operation becomes more difficult as the threads are not visible and alignment is hard to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indicators (color coding or markings) on the plunger parts to make the threads and alignment positions visible. This allows users to easily see where the threads are located and how to align them during re-establishment, solving the visibility problem while maintaining the stop function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a cam or lever system) that mediates between the user's action and the threaded connection. This intermediary makes the operation easier by providing mechanical advantage and visual feedback during the re-establishment process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the plunger parts are made completely disassemblable, then production and assembly are easier, but the threaded connection can be accidentally released during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a stop mechanism that is pre-configured to prevent complete disassembly of the threaded connection during use. This preliminary action ensures that even if the plunger parts are made easily disassemblable for production, the connection cannot be accidentally released during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the plunger into multiple parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled for production purposes, while incorporating a stop mechanism that prevents complete separation during use. This segmentation allows easy manufacturing while maintaining operational reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movement-induced skewing is allowed, then the plunger parts can move freely, but rescrewing becomes more difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a stop mechanism that provides preliminary anti-action against movement-induced skewing. The stop prevents the plunger parts from skewing beyond a certain point, thereby maintaining the threaded connection's integrity and making rescrewing possible if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows controlled movement and skewing of the plunger parts within certain limits to maintain adaptability, while the stop mechanism dynamically prevents excessive skewing that would make rescrewing impossible. This dynamic balance maintains both freedom of movement and rescrewing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture fitting includes a slide which is moveable linearly in relation to a housing and has a first slide part with an internal thread and a second slide part with an external thread interacting with the internal thread. The length of the slide is adjustable by rotation of the external thread relative to the internal thread, and a securing element prevents the external thread from unscrewing completely from the internal thread.