Support structure for a furnishing component and corresponding production method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support structures for furnishing components, such as panels and doors, require multiple types of profiled elements to accommodate different application requirements, leading to increased management and storage costs, complex assembly processes, and varied connection methods due to diverse configurations and materials.

Innovation Solution

A support structure comprising a first frame with interconnected profiled elements featuring internal longitudinal seatings and a second plate-shaped profiled element that can be positioned in different configurations to serve both as a panel holder and a gripping portion, allowing for adaptable and interchangeable designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of profiled elements are used to accommodate different application requirements, then the adaptability of the support structure is improved, but the device complexity and management costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal profiled element design where a single type of element can serve multiple functions through configurable components. The profiled element includes a body, a gripping portion, and a panel holder that can be positioned in different configurations, allowing one element type to replace multiple specialized element types while maintaining adaptability to various application requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The profiled element incorporates movable or reconfigurable components, specifically the panel holder that can be positioned in different locations along the gripping portion. This dynamic configuration capability allows the same element to adapt to different panel sizes and gripping position requirements, reducing the need for multiple fixed-configuration element types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of profiled elements are stored for different applications, then the versatility is improved, but the storage space and management costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a universal profiled element that can perform multiple functions through configuration changes, the patent eliminates the need to store multiple specialized element types. A single stock of these versatile elements can serve all application requirements, dramatically reducing storage space and inventory management complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different processes for assembling profiled elements are used for different configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The profiled element is designed with pre-integrated components including the gripping portion and panel holder that can be positioned in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration allows the element to be ready for different applications without requiring complex assembly processes at installation, reducing assembly time while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The profiled element is divided into distinct functional segments (body, gripping portion, panel holder) that can be independently positioned or configured. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where components can be pre-assembled in different configurations and then quickly installed, reducing on-site assembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If different connection methods are used for different panel configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profiled element incorporates a universal connection mechanism through its panel holder component that can accommodate different panel types and configurations. The holder can be positioned at various locations along the element body, providing a standardized connection interface that works across different applications without requiring specialized connection methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3773076B1Support structure for a furnishing component and corresponding production method
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 NADIR
  • EP3773076B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3773076B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10
  • EP3773076B1 patent drawingFigure 11~14

AI summary

Support structure for a furnishing component (100) comprising a first frame (11), with a frame shape and defined by first profiled elements (12) connected to each other, and a second frame (15), connected to the first frame (11). The first profiled elements (12) are provided, in one of their walls (13) that is internal during use, with a first longitudinal seating (14a) and with at least a second longitudinal seating (14b) distanced from each other in a direction transverse to the oblong development of the first profiled element (12). The second frame (15) comprises, in its turn, at least a second substantially plate-shaped profiled element (16) and provided with a first surface (18) positioned resting on at least part of the wall (13) of the first profiled element (12) and a second surface (22), opposite the first surface (18), on which a covering panel (30) can be positioned.