Square Furniture Base With Adjustable Corner Alignment Feet

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing square furniture bases with alignment feet are not adaptable to various cabinet widths, leading to increased production costs and potential carpet damage during installation due to metal components.

Innovation Solution

Integration of at least two spaced-apart fastening devices in each corner of the furniture-side supporting leg allows for adjustable alignment foot placement, and the use of sliders or non-metallic components to prevent carpet damage, with optional bayonet connections for tool-free installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single type of furniture base is used for all cabinet widths, then production costs are reduced, but the alignment feet cannot be positioned optimally for different cabinet widths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidadaptability to different cabinet widths
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting leg is segmented into multiple mounting positions for alignment feet, with at least two spaced-apart fastening devices provided in each corner area. This allows the alignment feet to be positioned at different locations depending on the cabinet width, enabling a single base design to adapt to various cabinet sizes without requiring multiple base types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The furniture base is designed with universal adaptability through multiple fastening positions on the supporting legs. The same base can be used for all cabinet widths by selectively positioning the alignment feet at appropriate fastening devices, making the base multi-functional across different cabinet configurations.

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

2Ease of operation

If metal furniture bases are moved on carpeted floors during installation, then the furniture can be installed, but the carpet is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation processVSAvoidcarpet damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective element made of non-metallic material is introduced as an intermediary between the metal furniture base and the carpeted floor. This protective element prevents direct contact between the metal base and the carpet, eliminating damage during installation and movement while allowing the furniture to be easily positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If alignment feet are positioned close to side walls, then the cabinet appearance is improved, but the mounting options are limited for different cabinet widths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabinet appearanceVSAvoidmounting options for different widths
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting leg incorporates multiple segmented fastening positions along its length. This segmentation allows the alignment feet to be positioned at different locations - close to side walls for aesthetic purposes or at alternative positions for different cabinet widths - providing flexibility while maintaining optimal appearance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the use of a single design for all cabinet widths without additional production steps or costs, reduces carpet damage, and facilitates easy, tool-free alignment foot installation.

Implementation Method 1

Usually, the metal profiles are made of sheet steel by cold forming.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCold-forming: Cold-forming

Implementation Method 2

each fastening device is formed from several elevations provided at equal angular distances from one another and on a circle lying concentrically to the central longitudinal axis of the adjusting screw, which engage in depressions of the alignment foot arranged in the correct position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

on the outside, i.e. facing the floor, several sliders are attached or formed at intervals on the standing leg

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2277412B1Square furniture base
Publication Date: 2012.11.28 MAASS HARALD
  • EP2277412B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2277412B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2277412B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C

AI summary

The base (10) has metal profiles welded with each other. Each metal profile exhibits a floor-side stand sidepiece (12) and a furniture-side carrying sidepiece (11). A case-like orientation foot (14) is arranged in a corner area of the base. The orientation foot rests at an inner surface of the furniture-side carrying sidepiece and is penetrated by an adjustment screw (16). Two mounting devices (19) are separated by a distance and provided in a corner area of the furniture-side carrying sidepiece. The orientation foot is selectively fixed in the mounting devices.