A furnishing component comprising a hooking system for compensating panels and a method for installing compensating panels for a furnishing component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hooking systems for compensating panels in kitchens are difficult to install and remove, requiring precision and effort, and often result in excessive bending or mechanical challenges during cleaning operations.

Innovation Solution

A hooking system comprising a hook with an elastically deformable anchoring portion that wraps around the support foot and a magnetic connection component, allowing for snap anchoring and easy adjustment, along with a T-shaped connection portion for secure attachment to the panel, facilitating accurate and effortless installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a traditional hidden hook system is used to connect the baseboard to the foot, then the hook remains hidden after installation providing aesthetic continuity, but the installation requires precise centering and manual checking which is time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic continuityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional purely mechanical hook system with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic element in the hook automatically attracts and centers the counter-magnetic element in the connection component, eliminating the need for manual centering and precise positioning. This substitution of mechanical alignment with magnetic attraction directly resolves the contradiction between aesthetic hidden installation and installation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a comb-type plate with barb is used to allow horizontal movement compensation, then positioning error is compensated within the guide length, but the removal of the baseboard becomes difficult requiring leverage and bending

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning toleranceVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical barb-and-comb system with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic attraction provides sufficient holding force for positioning tolerance without requiring physical interlocking features like barbs and combs. Removal becomes simple by overcoming the magnetic force, eliminating the need for leverage and bending operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental interaction parameter from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction. This parameter change allows the system to maintain positioning tolerance through magnetic field strength while enabling easy removal by simply overcoming the magnetic force, rather than requiring mechanical disengagement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the hook is elastically deformable to wrap around the foot, then snap anchoring is achieved for firm connection, but the connection must still be manually centered and oriented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines elastic deformation for anchoring with magnetic attraction for alignment. The elastically deformable anchoring portion provides snap anchoring strength while the magnetic coupling automatically centers the components, eliminating manual orientation requirements. This hybrid approach resolves the contradiction between connection strength and installation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system enables a simpler, faster, and more accurate connection of compensating panels to support feet, allowing easy removal and adjustment without excessive force or bending, ensuring aesthetic, functional, and hygienic integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic element (130) provided at said hook (100) and a counter-magnetic element (230) provided at said connection component (200), said magnetic elements being arranged to attract each other when said baseboard (300) is connected to said support foot (400) so as to enable automatic centering of said baseboard (300) with respect to said support foot (400) and determine a stable connection between said baseboard (300) and said support foot (400)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

said hook (100) comprises an anchoring portion (110) configured to wrap around a support foot (400) when connected thereto, said anchoring portion (110) being elastically deformable in a respective deformation plane to perform a snap anchoring of said hook (100) with said support foot (400)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3616565B1A furnishing component comprising a hooking system for compensating panels and a method for installing compensating panels for a furnishing component
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 SCILM
  • EP3616565B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3616565B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3616565B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hooking system for compensating panels comprises a hook (100) for support feet (400) having an anchoring portion (110) stably engageable in a reversible way with a preferably cylindrical side surface (411) of a support foot (400) for furnishing elements; and at least one respective component connection (200) having a connection portion (210) reversibly connectable to a respective compensating panel (300). The hook (100) and the connection component (200) have respective first and second magnetic attraction means (130, 230) mutually engageable to determine a stable connection of the compensating panel (300) to the support foot (400).