Hardware assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cabinet hardware systems struggle with installing knobs or pulls on non-standard thickness cabinets or drawers, as standard screws often fail to provide adequate thread engagement, leading to instability and risk of failure.

Innovation Solution

A hardware assembly featuring a threaded rod with weakened regions, allowing for adjustable length, combined with a thumb nut for secure fastening, enabling installation on various thickness panels without compromising thread integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standard screws are used for cabinet hardware, then installation is simple, but they fail to provide adequate thread engagement on non-standard thickness panels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidthread engagement adequacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded rod is segmented into two functional zones: a threaded engagement region that interfaces with the handle and fastener, and a non-threaded weakened region that allows for length adjustment. This segmentation enables the rod to adapt to different panel thicknesses while maintaining secure thread engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded rod's length parameter is made variable through the weakened region design, allowing installers to adjust the effective length by breaking at different points. This parameter change enables adequate thread engagement across non-standard panel thicknesses while maintaining simple installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the threaded rod is made longer to accommodate thicker panels, then adaptability increases, but thread integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel thickness rangeVSAvoidthread integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is divided into a threaded region and a non-threaded weakened region. The threaded region maintains full thread integrity for secure engagement, while the non-threaded weakened region provides the adaptability needed for different panel thicknesses without compromising thread strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the rod have different structural qualities: the threaded region has high strength and thread integrity, while the weakened region has reduced strength intentionally to facilitate breaking and length adjustment. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between adaptability and thread integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the threaded rod includes weakened regions for length adjustment, then adaptability to various panel thicknesses improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable length capabilityVSAvoidrod structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod structure is segmented with intentional weakened regions that create easy break points. This segmentation provides adjustable length capability through simple breaking actions rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The weakened region design accepts that the excess rod length will be discarded after breaking. This approach uses a simple, disposable-like feature (the broken-off portion) to achieve adaptability without incorporating complex reusable adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple weakened regions are provided for incremental length adjustment, then precision of fit improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength adjustment precisionVSAvoidrod manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple weakened regions are segmented along the rod at incremental intervals, providing precise length adjustment options. The segmentation is achieved through simple manufacturing processes like punching or notching, which add minimal complexity compared to the precision benefit of incremental adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The weakened regions are pre-formed during manufacturing at specific incremental positions. This preliminary action during production enables precise length adjustment during installation without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the break points are already prepared in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12252900B2Hardware assembly

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG CORP

AI summary

A hardware assembly is provided with a threaded handle for a drawer or door. A threaded rod is provided for threaded engagement with the threaded handle, with a length to extend through the drawer or door. A threaded fastener is sized for threaded engagement with the threaded rod to engage the drawer or door spaced apart from the handle to fasten the handle to the drawer or door. At least one weakened region is formed in the threaded rod to permit separation of an unused portion of the rod from an installed portion of the rod.