Actuating Drive Locking Device for Furniture Flap Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Actuators with locking devices for furniture flaps can inadvertently move and cause injuries when the flap is not properly mounted, as the spring device can push the actuating arm back to the open position, and existing solutions require manual operation for locking and unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A locking device that automatically unlocks when the furniture part is mounted on the actuating arm, using a snap connection and transmission mechanism to prevent actuating arm movement until the part is securely attached, and automatically locks when the part is removed, ensuring safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking part is used to lock the actuating arm, then the actuating arm can be prevented from moving, but the locking and unlocking process becomes complex and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically locks the actuating arm when the furniture part is removed and automatically unlocks when the furniture part is mounted, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system uses the mounting/dismounting action itself to trigger the locking/unlocking sequence through the control part that detects the presence of the furniture part.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part is pre-positioned to engage with the actuating arm before the furniture part is fully mounted. The control part is designed to detect the approach of the furniture part and trigger the unlocking sequence in advance, ensuring smooth operation without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the locking device is always engaged to prevent movement, then safety is improved, but the ease of mounting and dismounting the furniture part deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device dynamically adjusts its state based on the mounting condition. When the furniture part is mounted, the locking part disengages to allow movement. When the furniture part is removed, the locking part automatically re-engages to prevent uncontrolled movement. This dynamic behavior provides both safety and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control part detects whether the furniture part is mounted or removed and provides feedback to the locking part accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the locking device is engaged only when necessary (during assembly/disassembly) and disengaged when the furniture part is properly mounted, balancing safety and operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If a spring device is used to compensate for the weight of the furniture flap, then the actuating arm can be easily positioned, but the actuating arm can shoot up uncontrollably if the flap is not mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is designed to counteract the spring device's force before the furniture part is mounted. The locking mechanism prevents the actuating arm from moving in the direction that the spring device would push it, thereby preventing the harmful effect of uncontrolled movement while still allowing easy positioning when the furniture part is properly mounted.
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
Prevents uncontrolled movement of the actuating arm during assembly and disassembly, enhancing safety by ensuring the actuating arm is locked only when the furniture part is properly connected or disconnected, thus preventing injuries and simplifying the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
there is also a spring device for compensating for the weight of the furniture flap, which acts on a pivoted actuator arm on the carcass side in the opening direction
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical locking connection can be designed as a snap connection with a spring-loaded locking part, which creates a detachable connection between the mounting part and the fitting body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating drive (3), comprising at least one actuating arm (4) for moving a movable furniture part (21) and a locking device (10) for blocking the motion of the actuating arm (4), wherein the locking device (10) permits the motion of the actuating arm (4) only after the movable furniture part (21) has been mounted on the actuating arm (4), wherein the locking device is released by the mounting of the movable furniture part (21) on the actuating arm (4).