Supporting frame for a piece of furniture
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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 and precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A supporting frame design featuring a base unit with a U-shaped cross section and a locking element that exerts a squeezing force to secure the lifting column housing, eliminating the need for screws and simplifying assembly by using a guide system for correct mounting and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw assembly methods are used to secure lifting columns to the supporting frame, 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 locking mechanism. The cam profile converts rotational motion into linear displacement, enabling the locking element to engage with the cam profile and secure the lifting column housing to the base unit through a simple rotational motion rather than multiple screw operations, thereby significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from linear screw insertion to rotational cam movement. The locking element rotates along a cam profile, where the cam's geometric parameters (profile shape, radius, angle) are designed to transform the rotational motion into the required linear clamping force, enabling quick adjustment and secure fixation without time-consuming screw operations.
2Strength
If multiple screw operations are performed to assemble the supporting frame, then secure connection of parts is achieved, but assembly complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex multi-step screw fastening system with a single cam-based locking mechanism. The cam profile is designed to provide progressive engagement, where the locking element follows the cam contour to gradually establish contact and apply clamping force, achieving strong connections through one operational motion instead of multiple screw operations, thereby reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile is pre-designed with specific geometric parameters that automatically guide the locking element through the correct engagement path. The preliminary design of the cam geometry ensures proper alignment and progressive force application, eliminating the need for operators to manually align multiple screw holes and apply precise torque to each fastener.
3Reliability
If traditional assembly methods with multiple components are used, then adequate fixation is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate fastening components (screws, washers, alignment features) into a single integrated cam mechanism. The cam profile combines guidance, positioning, and fastening functions in one element, while the locking element integrates the actuating motion with the clamping action, reducing the total number of parts required for secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-based locking mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides alignment guidance through the cam profile geometry, establishes secure mechanical engagement through the locking element-cam interaction, and applies progressive clamping force to secure the lifting column housing. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized fastening components with a single versatile mechanism.
Data Source
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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.