Threaded Table Leg Coupling to Eliminate Joint Slack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling methods for table legs, such as hinges and bayonet joints, often result in instability due to slack between the legs and table top, and are costly to manufacture, especially when integral threads are required.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element with a threaded projection that screws onto the table top's internal thread, featuring a tubular body with a truncated cone shape and locking wings that fit into slots in the leg, eliminating slack and allowing for easy adaptation to various diameters and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge connection is used to attach legs to the table top, then the legs can be folded when the table is not used, but the manufacture cost increases due to the need for hinges and pins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the folding function from the hinge mechanism and implements it through a simple detachable coupling system. The leg can be detached and stored separately from the table top, achieving foldability without requiring complex hinge and pin assemblies, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the table into detachable components (table top and legs) connected through simple coupling elements. This segmentation allows the leg to be separated from the table top for storage while using simple, inexpensive coupling mechanisms rather than integrated hinge systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple male-female joint or bayonet joint is used to attach legs to the table top, then the manufacture cost is reduced, but slack is created between the legs and table top, reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized threaded engagement zone within the coupling element. The internal thread in the table top and external thread on the coupling element create a precise, localized connection point that eliminates slack while maintaining simple overall construction and low manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-forming the internal thread in the table top during its manufacture and the external thread on the coupling element. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the leg is attached, the threaded connection immediately provides stable, slack-free support without requiring additional adjustment or support elements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If threads are used to attach legs to the table top, then stability is improved, but mass production becomes difficult and costly, especially for long legs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the threaded connection function into a separate coupling element rather than integrating threads directly into the leg. This allows the leg to be a simple extruded profile that is easy to mass-produce, while the coupling element with the external thread can be independently manufactured and attached, maintaining stability without complicating leg production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the threaded coupling function from the leg itself and places it in a separate coupling element. This extraction allows the leg to be manufactured as a simple, easy-to-produce extruded profile, while the threading functionality resides in the separately manufactured coupling element, enabling mass production of both components independently.
4Stability of the object's composition
If integral threads are made on the table leg, then a secure connection is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into a table top with an internal thread, a separate coupling element with an external thread, and a leg. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, avoiding the need for expensive integral threading on the entire leg assembly while maintaining secure connection through the threaded interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the coupling element as an intermediary component between the table top and the leg. This intermediary contains the external thread that engages with the internal thread in the table top, providing secure connection without requiring integral threads on the leg itself, thereby simplifying leg manufacture while maintaining connection security.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a table leg (7) suited to be screwed into an internal thread (10) present on the lower surface of the top (9) of the table. The leg (7) is provided with a coupling element (1) comprising a body (2) that has a threaded end (3) suited to be coupled with the internal thread (10) of the table. The coupling element (1) is provided with means (5, 6) for locking to the leg (7), wherein the means are such as to prevent any mutual movement between the coupling element (1) and the end of the leg (7).