Connecting device for anchoring seat modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture anchoring devices require lateral displacement for connection, which can be impractical in spaces with limited lateral access, restricting the ability to connect modules in directions other than laterally.

Innovation Solution

A ratchet device with an articulated arm and cylindrical pivot allows for connection in any direction by using a serrated slot and pivot that can be inserted and extracted in a transverse plane, with a rotating mechanism and adjustable stops to accommodate different orientations, enabling connection and disconnection in various directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a triangular prismatic tip is inserted into a serrated slot in a lateral direction, then secure anchorage is achieved, but the device requires sufficient lateral space for insertion which is not available in many rooms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchorage securityVSAvoidlateral space required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the insertion dimension from lateral (horizontal) to longitudinal (vertical). The serrated slot is oriented vertically along the longitudinal axis of the end, allowing the triangular prismatic tip to be inserted by moving modules together in the longitudinal direction rather than laterally. This dimensional change resolves the space constraint while maintaining anchorage security through the same serrated engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If modules are connected by lateral displacement with the slot opening facing the tip frontally, then proper anchorage is achieved, but connection in other directions is not possible without affecting component state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchorage correctnessVSAvoidconnection direction flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorients the serrated slot from a lateral opening to a longitudinal orientation along the module's length. This allows the triangular prismatic tip to engage the slot by moving modules together in the longitudinal direction, enabling connection without lateral displacement and accommodating various connection directions while ensuring proper anchorage through the serrated engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device is designed to accommodate multiple connection directions and module orientations. The longitudinal serrated slot combined with the triangular prismatic tip creates a universal connection interface that can engage regardless of the specific directional approach, making the device adaptable to different furniture arrangements and space configurations.

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

3Reliability

If the serrated slot is open at one end with teeth preventing lateral extraction, then secure anchorage is achieved, but the device complexity increases with the need for specific insertion orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchorage securityVSAvoidinsertion orientation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the serrated slot opening from a lateral face to the longitudinal end of the module. The slot extends vertically along the longitudinal axis with teeth oriented to prevent longitudinal extraction rather than lateral extraction. This reconfiguration simplifies the insertion process by aligning the opening with the primary movement direction while maintaining the one-way anchorage function through the serrated teeth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4079194B1Connecting device for anchoring seat modules
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 FAMA SOFAS
  • EP4079194B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4079194B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP4079194B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

Connecting device (1) for anchoring seat modules, wherein said connecting device (1) comprises an arm (2) and a pivot (3) comprising a cylindrical shape comprising a serrated side area wherein the teeth of the slot (7) and the pivot (3) are configured to block the extraction of the pivot (3) and wherein the pivot (3) is configured to be extracted from the slot (7) of the arm (2), moving said pivot (3) with respect to the arm (2) in a longitudinal direction, perpendicular to the transverse plane.