Support Column Fixture With Friction Clamping for Variable Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment devices for support columns in furniture are costly to produce and lack flexibility in accommodating varying support column diameters, leading to instability and difficulty in adjusting the attachment position.

Innovation Solution

A sheet metal-based attachment device with laterally protruding receiving sections, a clamping body, and a support surface at varying distances from the support column, allowing for frictional clamping and adjustable holding forces, along with a reduced-diameter section for rotational symmetry and a screw for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional attachment devices with complex clamping mechanisms are used, then reliable fixation on support columns is achieved, but production cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is divided into two separate receiving sections instead of a single complex clamping mechanism. Each receiving section independently receives the support column, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable fixation through the distributed clamping arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is made from sheet metal that can be stamped and bent, replacing expensive traditional clamping mechanisms. This cost-effective approach achieves reliable fixation without complex components, suitable for mass production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed clamping mechanisms are used, then stable attachment is achieved, but adjustability of attachment position is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidposition adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic adjustable state. The pressing device can be moved along the support column to different positions, and the clamping force can be adjusted, allowing the attachment device to adapt to various installation requirements while maintaining stability at each position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If uniform clamping force is applied, then simple mechanism design is achieved, but risk of overloading and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping mechanism simplicityVSAvoidoverloading risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing device features a support surface with varying distances from the support column - closer in some areas and farther in others. This creates non-uniform local clamping forces that adapt to the specific geometry and load requirements at different positions, preventing overloading while maintaining overall stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used, then adaptability to different support column diameters is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different column diametersVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base body with its two receiving sections serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the support column through the receiving openings, and works with the pressing device to achieve clamping. This multi-functional design adapts to different support column diameters without requiring separate components for each function

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

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 solution enables cost-effective mass production, increased stability, and easy installation, while accommodating different support column diameters and preventing overloading, allowing for precise adjustment of holding forces.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping body with the supporting device being able to be pressed against the support column inserted through both receiving openings in such a way that the supporting column on the attachment device is between the receiving sections and the clamping body is clamped and fixed by friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2965656B1Fixture for a supporting element on a supporting column
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 HETAL-WERKE FRANZ HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2965656B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2965656B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2965656B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Mounting device (1) for a support element (3) on a support column (2), with locking means (11, 12, 13, 15) with which the support element (3) can be fixed on the upstanding support column (2). The attachment device (1) is characterized in that it has a base body (4) on which there are two separate receiving sections (6, 8) projecting laterally from a connecting section (5, 10), each receiving section (6, 8) a receiving opening (7, 9) for the support column (2) is punched out. The receiving openings (7, 9) are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the support column (2) can be pushed through both receiving openings (7, 9) at the same time. The locking means (11, 12, 13, 15) further comprise a clamping body (12) and a supporting device (11) formed on the base body (4), the clamping body (12) having the supporting device (11) being attached to the through both receiving openings ( 7, 9) inserted support column (2) can be pressed, that the support column (2) is clamped on the attachment device (1) between the receiving sections (6, 8) and the clamping body (12) and fixed by friction.