Height-Adjustable Furniture Support With Tool-Free Spring Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable supports for furniture are complex to assemble, often requiring tools and multiple components, which complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable support design featuring an outer tube with a compression spring clamped between an inner tube and a receptacle, allowing for tool-free assembly, where the outer tube is detachably fastened to the support element and the inner tube rests on a stationary base, enabling easy adjustment and locking without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional height-adjustable support designs are used, then height adjustment functionality is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element, outer tube, inner tube, and locking mechanism into an integrated assembly unit. The spring element is pre-mounted within the outer tube, and the inner tube with locking features is assembled together, forming a compact module that simplifies installation to a single insertion operation rather than multiple separate assembly steps requiring tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube, and the spring element is positioned within the outer tube. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to be housed within each other, reducing the overall assembly footprint and enabling tool-free installation by simply pushing the nested components together until they lock.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple components are used for height adjustment, then adjustment precision is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-compressed and pre-positioned within the outer tube during manufacturing, and the inner tube is pre-equipped with locking features. This preliminary preparation of components eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly operations, as the entire height-adjustable support can be installed by a single insertion and locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The support is divided into distinct functional segments (outer tube with spring, inner tube with locking mechanism, seat plate) that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling rapid assembly through simple interfacing features that require no tools.
3Ease of operation
If tool-free assembly is implemented, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube features self-locking elements that automatically engage with the outer tube when the inner tube is inserted to the correct position. The spring element provides continuous prestress force that maintains the locked position and prevents accidental disengagement. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable structural connection without requiring tools or complex fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-compressed to generate a prestress force that acts in opposition to any forces attempting to separate or disassemble the components. This preliminary application of counteracting force ensures that the assembled structure remains securely locked under various loading conditions, maintaining structural reliability while enabling simple tool-free assembly.
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
This design simplifies the assembly process by using a compression spring to prestress the inner support element, allowing for easy height adjustment and locking, and can be assembled without tools, enhancing user convenience and reducing assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
The type of spring element and its special arrangement in the inner support element and the outer support element as well as its special fastening in the inner support element make it easy to assemble
Data Source
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AI summary
The support (10) has two telescopic supporting elements (12,14) moved along height direction. A spring element is provided inside supporting elements to bias supporting element height in upper end position and is extended along longitudinal direction. An outer pipe (40) is extended inside supporting element. An inner pipe (56) is provided inside outer pipe. The lower ends (48,58) of outer and inner pipes are supported on base plate (60) of supporting elements. A pressure spring (62) of spring element is clamped in outer pipe between inner pipe and receiving element (46).