Height-adjustable frame parts for an item of furniture, particularly a height-adjustable table leg, and table underframe comprising such frame parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable table legs are expensive due to complex assembly and material usage, which increases production costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design for a height-adjustable frame part with a modular connector module and housing structure that allows for tool-free assembly, using fewer materials and manufacturing steps, including a connector module with latching mechanisms and a magnetic body for cable management, reducing the need for expensive plastic compositions and complex forming processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional motor housing with foam block and multiple panels is used, then noise reduction is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the motor housing, foam noise-reducing insert, and cable management features into a single molded component. The housing is formed as one piece with integrated cavities for the foam insert and cable routing channels, eliminating the need for separate panels and fasteners while maintaining vibration reduction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the motor, acts as a noise-reducing enclosure through integrated foam material, provides cable management through built-in routing channels, and serves as a mounting structure for the linear actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed.
2Strength
If traditional metal forming and multiple parts are used, then structural strength is achieved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a modular assembly where the main housing body and the foam insert are separately manufactured and then combined. This allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing for strength and the foam for noise reduction - while reducing overall production time through parallel manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional metal forming processes to injection molding or similar rapid manufacturing techniques for the housing. This parameter change in the manufacturing process enables faster production cycles while maintaining structural integrity through optimized material selection and design.
3Reliability
If complex assembly with multiple fasteners is used, then secure motor mounting is achieved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor mounting system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The housing includes integrated mounting features such as recesses or snap-fit mechanisms that automatically position and secure the motor without requiring external fasteners or complex alignment procedures. The motor's own structure is utilized as part of the mounting mechanism.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional cable management with separate components is used, then cable protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is nested within the housing structure itself. The housing contains internal channels or recesses that route and protect the cables connecting the motor to the control system. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for separate cable conduits or protective components while maintaining cable protection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a cost-effective, time-efficient production of height-adjustable table legs with reduced noise from engine vibration, achieved through a modular design that minimizes material usage and assembly complexity, enabling affordable ergonomic furniture solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The cable is advantageously guided along a magnetic body, in particular wound around the magnetic body.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a height-adjustable frame part for an item of furniture, particularly a height-adjustable table leg (16), which comprises a height-adjustment mechanism that has a motor (29) in a housing (28), wherein a cable (68) is guided from the motor (29) to a connector module (50) on the housing (28), by means of which the motor (29) can be connected to a motor control unit (70), said motor (29) being held on said connector module (50) in the housing (28).