Height-Adjustable Table Leg Assembly Without Welded Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable table legs and frames are not produced cost-effectively, as they rely on expensive joining techniques like welding.
Innovation Solution
The use of form-fitting and positive locking mechanisms, such as recesses and tabs, in telescopic elements to hold receiving and closure plates, along with a two-part holder for the threaded element, reduces the need for costly joining techniques like welding, allowing for more cost-effective production and easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding joining techniques are used to assemble telescopic elements and plates, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding (a thermal/mechanical joining process) with a mechanical form-fitting connection system. The receiving elements with recesses and tabs create a snap-fit assembly that eliminates the need for welding operations, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining structural integrity through precise geometric interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the table leg into separate modular components (telescopic elements, receiving elements, closure plates) that can be manufactured independently and assembled through form-fitting connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured separately, reducing overall manufacturing cost and enabling easier assembly compared to welded construction.
2Reliability
If welding joining techniques are used to assemble telescopic elements and plates, then structural reliability is improved, but assembly time and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving elements are pre-formed with integrated recesses and tabs during manufacturing. These pre-configured geometric features enable rapid snap-fit assembly of the telescopic elements and plates without requiring on-site welding operations, significantly improving production efficiency while maintaining reliable structural connections.
3Ease of manufacture
If form-fitting and positive locking mechanisms are used instead of welding, then manufacturing cost decreases and assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies form-fitting connections only at specific critical locations (receiving elements, closure plates) rather than requiring precision throughout the entire structure. The recesses and tabs are localized geometric features that concentrate precision requirements to specific areas, making the overall manufacturing process more cost-effective while maintaining adequate structural reliability.
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
This approach enables the production of height-adjustable frame parts and table frames at a lower cost while simplifying the assembly process, making them more economically viable and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a height adjustment mechanism in the telescopic elements, the height adjustment mechanism comprising a threaded rod which extends in the telescopic elements, wherein the threaded rod is guided in a thread of a threaded element
Implementation Method 2
an upper end of the threaded rod is mounted in a bearing in a receiving element in an upper one of the telescopic elements from the receiving elements so that it can rotate upwards about its longitudinal axis
Data Source
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AI summary
Height-adjustable frame part for a piece of furniture, in particular a height-adjustable table leg, comprising at least two rectangular telescopic elements that can be telescoped axially into one another and a height-adjustment mechanism in the telescopic elements, the height-adjustment mechanism comprising a threaded rod that extends in the telescopic elements, the threaded rod in a thread of a threaded element in a lower of the telescopic elements, a lower end of the threaded rod is free and an upper end of the threaded rod is mounted in a bearing in a receiving element in an upper one of the telescopic elements projecting upwards from the receiving element so that it can rotate about its longitudinal axis, characterized in that the receiving element in the upper telescopic element is held in a form-fitting manner.