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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing table frames with crosspiece connections, particularly those made of metal like aluminum, face issues with screw fixation due to small tube dimensions, leading to loose connections and deformation, which compromises stability on uneven surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device featuring a fixing bolt element with stop elements and reinforcement, along with an angle bracket system, that applies pressure through adaptation means to secure crosspieces without directly stressing the tube, ensuring stable connections and preventing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to fix crosspieces in metal tubes, then the connection is initially secure, but the connection loosens over time due to threading wear and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidthreading durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A connection piece is introduced as an intermediary element between the fixing element and the tube. This connection piece has a first portion that receives the fixing element and a second portion that connects to the tube, distributing stresses and preventing direct threading wear on the tube walls, thereby maintaining connection stability over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from direct screw threading into tube walls to using a connection piece with a recessed portion that accommodates the fixing element. This parameter change in the connection mechanism eliminates threading wear on the tube itself, significantly extending the duration of action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high fixing pressure is applied to secure crosspieces, then connection stability improves, but tube deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtube deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connection piece acts as a mediator that distributes the fixing pressure over a larger area of the tube surface through its second portion. This prevents concentrated stress points that would cause local deformation while maintaining sufficient connection stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection piece is pre-installed in the tube before the fixing element is applied. This preliminary action prepares the pressure distribution path, ensuring that when fixing pressure is applied, it is automatically distributed evenly through the connection piece's geometry, preventing deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If low fixing pressure is applied to prevent tube deformation, then tube integrity is maintained, but connection stability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetube integrityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection piece is pre-positioned in the tube with its first portion extending into the tube's interior space. This preliminary positioning creates a mechanical interlock that maintains connection stability even with reduced fixing pressure, as the connection piece's geometry prevents loosening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into three distinct components: the tube, the connection piece, and the fixing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function - the connection piece's first portion engages the fixing element while its second portion distributes pressure on the tube, achieving both stability and integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2832260B1Table
Publication Date: 2017.01.04 MUEBLES ROMERO
  • EP2832260B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2832260B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2832260B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting crosspieces of the frame of a table (1), comprising a fixing bolt element (4) for fixing each upper crosspiece (2) and the one central crosspiece (3); where this fixing bolt element (4) is a longitudinal element with a first end (4.1) and second end (4.2), having a first stop element (6) abutting with the surface of the upper crosspiece (2) at the first end (4.1) of the bolt element (4), a second stop element (8) between the upper crosspiece (2) and the central crosspiece (3), and clamping means (9); respective connecting elements (20) for connecting each angle bracket (5) with the upper corresponding crosspieces (2) in the second hole (12) of the latter.