Furniture Levelling Foot Structure for Thin Shoulder Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing levelling devices fail to operate effectively when the thickness of furniture shoulders reduces below 18 mm, leading to increased internal stress and damage due to the collar-seat coupling, preventing further adjustments and proper operation under loaded conditions.
Innovation Solution
A levelling device with a screw-nut mechanism where the screw and pinion are enclosed within a covering, allowing the load to be entirely transferred to the ground, eliminating internal stress and enabling manual adjustment without straining the user, using a cylindrical foot element with a widened base and a toothed rim for stable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the thickness of furniture shoulders is reduced to decrease overall dimensions, then the aesthetic properties and compactness are improved, but the internal stress on the collar-seat coupling increases causing device damage and operational failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from the collar-seat coupling and transfers it entirely to the ground through the foot. The screw-nut mechanism is removed from the load path, so the furniture weight no longer passes through the coupling between the covering and the seat, eliminating the stress concentration that caused device damage in thin-shoulder applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the foot as an intermediary element between the furniture and the ground. The foot receives the load from the furniture shoulder and transfers it directly to the ground, acting as a mediator that bypasses the previously stressed collar-seat coupling. This intermediary structure allows the levelling device to function reliably in furniture with reduced shoulder thickness.
2Ease of operation
If the screw-nut mechanism is used with collar-seat coupling to support furniture weight, then the levelling adjustment function is achieved, but the internal stress causes damage and prevents further adjustment under loaded conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment mechanism (screw and pinion) from the load-bearing path. The screw-nut mechanism is retained solely for its adjustment function, while the load-bearing function is completely separated and transferred to the foot-ground interface. This separation allows the adjustment mechanism to operate without the detrimental effects of structural stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the levelling device into distinct functional zones: the foot handles load-bearing, the screw-nut mechanism handles adjustment, and the covering provides structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the others, enabling reliable operation in thin-shoulder furniture.
3Length of stationary object
If the levelling device is designed to fit within thin furniture shoulders, then the overall dimensions are reduced, but the stress concentration jeopardizes proper device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful stress concentration in the collar-seat coupling into a beneficial direct load path from the foot to the ground. By redesigning the load transfer mechanism, the stress that once damaged the device is now efficiently transmitted to the ground through the foot's widened base, turning a structural weakness into an operational advantage.
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 ensures proper operation and easy adjustment of the levelling device even with furniture shoulders thinner than 16 mm, as the load is directly transferred to the ground, preventing internal stress and damage, allowing for smooth levelling without user strain.
Implementation Method 1
a screw-nut screw mechanism wherein the screw, provided at the head with a toothed rim, is in turn rotated by a pinion element
Implementation Method 2
the screw, provided at the head with a toothed rim, is in turn rotated by a pinion element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
A levelling device (10) accommodatable in a seat (12) provided for in a shoulder of a piece of furniture (13) comprises one foot element (14) adjustable in height by- means of a screw (15) and nut screw (16) adjustment mechanism, said screw (15) comprises a threaded shank (40) coupled to said nut screw (16) and a free end of the cylindrical head (11) shaped to constantly engage a complementarily shaped pinion element (17) actuatable to rotate said screw (15). According to the invention, said screw (15) and said pinion element (17) are enclosed inside a covering element (18, 20, 21, 22), and directly engaged to each other and thereto, projecting from the lower part of such covering element (18, 20, 21, 22) is said adjustable foot (14), wherein said free end of the shaped cylindrical head (11) comprises a plurality of shaped projections (19) facing a direction opposite to said threaded shank (40) arranged spaced peripherally one after the other along a peripheral circular rim above said free end of the head (11).