Furniture Support Frame Cam Locking for Fast Lifting Column Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of supporting frames for furniture with lifting columns is cumbersome and time-consuming due to the large and heavy components, requiring numerous screw operations for precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A supporting frame design featuring a base unit with a compartment for the lifting column housing and a cross member with a locking element that exerts a squeezing force for secure fixation, eliminating the need for tools and screw operations during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw assembly methods are used for supporting frames, then reliable fixation is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into linear motion to exert a squeezing force that secures the lifting column housing between the base unit and cross member, eliminating the need for multiple screw operations while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the traditional screw assembly process and consolidates it into a single cam locking mechanism. By separating the positioning function (performed by the base unit compartment and cross member) from the fastening function (performed by the cam), the design achieves rapid assembly without compromising fixation reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple screw operations are performed for precise alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit compartment and cross member are pre-configured with alignment features that automatically position the lifting column housing correctly during insertion. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for multiple screw operations to achieve precise alignment, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex multi-step screw alignment system with a simpler cam-based system. The cam mechanism provides both positioning and fastening functions in a single operation, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the precision required for proper lifting column installation.
3Strength
If traditional assembly methods with multiple components are used, then structural strength is ensured, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning, support, and fastening functions into an integrated assembly consisting of the base unit compartment, cross member, and cam mechanism. This consolidation maintains structural strength by ensuring proper positioning and secure fixation of the lifting column housing, while dramatically improving ease of assembly by eliminating multiple separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional screw fastening system with a cam-based system that provides equivalent or superior structural strength through a squeezing force mechanism. The cam mechanism ensures firm fixation of the lifting column housing between the base unit and cross member, maintaining structural integrity while significantly improving ease of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a supporting frame with a base unit comprising a compartment at least for partial reception of the housing of the lifting column (79) and a cross member (74) for mounting on the base unit (59). The supporting frame comprises a locking element (94), which when placed in-a locked position exerts a squeezing force between the base unit (59), the lifting column housing and the cross member (74), by which the lifting column housing and the cross member (74) are fixed in the base unit (59). The supporting frame further comprises means for retaining the locking element in the locked position. The lifting columns are of the type, which comprises telescopically arranged profiles with an upper and lower end to which upper end a housing is secured.