Articulated Profile Hooking Mechanism for Tool-Free Accessory Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods for accessories along support profiles require tools, are cumbersome, and difficult to install, especially in confined spaces, necessitating skilled personnel and often leading to unintentional misinstallation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a lower and upper half-part that can be articulated and connected to the profile without tools, allowing easy installation and adjustment from any point, ensuring secure fastening and easy removal without requiring complete profile removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods using screws and tools are employed, then secure fastening of accessories is achieved, but installation time increases and requires skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service installation through its self-explanatory manipulation mechanism. The user simply pushes the manipulation element laterally to release the locking element, which automatically springs back to unlock the accessory. This eliminates the need for specialized tools or skilled personnel while maintaining secure fastening through the spring-loaded locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation element is extracted as a separate, dedicated component that performs the unique function of releasing the locking element. This separation allows the locking mechanism to remain secure during normal operation while enabling quick, tool-free release when needed, resolving the contradiction between security and speed.
2Manufacturing precision
If accessories are installed close to the ceiling in confined spaces, then proper positioning is achieved, but maneuvering tools becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation element is extracted as a separate, elongated component that extends beyond the profile. This allows the user to reach and manipulate the element from below, even when the accessory is installed close to the ceiling, eliminating the need to maneuver tools in confined overhead spaces while maintaining precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation element acts as an intermediary lever that translates simple lateral user input into the rotational motion needed to release the locking element. This mechanical advantage allows easy operation from below without requiring direct access to the locking mechanism in the confined overhead space.
3Reliability
If head-on insertion from one end of the profile is required, then proper installation sequence is maintained, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the body element that interfaces with the profile, the locking element that secures the accessory, and the manipulation element that enables release. This segmentation allows the manipulation element to be accessed from any point along the profile, eliminating the requirement for head-on insertion from one end and simplifying the installation procedure.
4Measurement precision
If accessories are accidentally installed upside-down, then misinstallation is detected, but correction requires lengthy intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service correction through its symmetric design and tool-free manipulation. When an accessory is installed upside-down, the user can simply push the manipulation element laterally to release the locking mechanism and reposition the accessory, without requiring disassembly or specialized tools, thus minimizing correction time.
5Adaptability or versatility
If complete profile removal is required to replace or move accessories, then proper repositioning is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation element is extracted as a separate component that provides access to the locking mechanism without requiring removal of the accessory or profile. The user can simply manipulate this element to release the locking element, allowing the accessory to be quickly removed and repositioned along the profile while maintaining proper engagement, thus enabling versatile repositioning without time-consuming complete disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for hooking and adjusting accessories along support profiles, in particular but not exclusively for apparatuses intended for the movement of cabinet panels or doors comprising at least one sliding profile with a longitudinally extended slot delimited by opposite lips, one or more movement elements or carriages connecting said panels or doors with the profile and one or more stops or shock absorbers or the like with support base to slow down and stop the excursion of the same panels or doors at or near the respective end-strokes. The device comprises a lower half-part and an upper half-part intended to be connected both to each other in an articulated manner and to the profile. The base of the lower half-part defines a plate with a width less than both the width of the slot and with respect to the positioning seat accessed from said slot and in which the same base is positioned. From the central area of the base of the lower half-part an integral appendage extends vertically, at the top of which a transverse hole is formed which accommodates a plug to connect said appendage to the upper half-part consisting of a manoeuvring lever, in turn provided with a hole for the same plug.