Adjustable Flap Bearing Spiral Contour
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding flaps on furniture face challenges in achieving precise movement guidance and tight closure due to additional moving parts, which can complicate repeatability and stability.
Innovation Solution
A device with a power unit and actuating arms connected via a rotary bearing unit with a spiral adjustment contour, allowing for adjustable positioning of the actuating arms to support the opening and closing of the folding flap, providing fine and precise adjustability beyond 360° rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a folding flap with multiple flap elements connected by hinges is used to cover a larger area, then the flap's required pivot space is reduced and lever arm is reduced, but the movement control precision and seal tightness become more difficult to achieve due to additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating arms are made adjustable in length through the rotary bearing unit with spiral adjustment contour, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its geometry to compensate for the multiple moving parts in the folding flap, thereby maintaining precise movement control despite the complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The length of the actuating arms can be varied by rotating the adjustment element along the spiral contour, changing the geometric parameters of the mechanism to optimize movement control precision and seal tightness for different flap positions and configurations
2Force
If a mechanical energy storage device is used to hold the folding flap in the open position, then the force required is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary bearing unit with spiral adjustment contour serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection between actuating arms, enables length adjustment of the actuating arms, and works together with the energy storage device to hold the flap in position, thereby managing complexity through multi-functionality rather than adding separate components
3Device complexity
If the position of the rotary bearing of the actuating arm is fixed on the flap element, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability and precise adjustment capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary bearing unit allows the actuating arm to be adjusted to different positions along the spiral adjustment contour, transforming a static fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection that can adapt to various operational requirements while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral adjustment contour provides self-locking capability through its geometry, allowing the adjustment element to maintain its position without additional locking mechanisms, thereby enabling easy adjustment while keeping the structure relatively simple
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
Enhances the adjustability and stability of the folding flap's movement, reducing the force required to maintain the open position and enabling a more precise and repeatable closure mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment device comprises an adjustment element with a helical adjustment contour, which is rotatably mounted on the rotary bearing unit for adjusting the position of a rotary bearing element
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (4) for moving a folding flap (3) movably mounted on a furniture body (2) is proposed, comprising at least two hinged flap elements (3a, 3b) with a force unit (4b) which, via an actuating arm (6a) arranged on a first flap element (3a) in the mounted state, at least assists the opening of the folding flap (3) by applying force, and with a second actuating arm (6b) which, in the mounted state, is connected to a second flap element (3b), wherein at least one of the two actuating arms (6a, 6b) is attached to the associated flap element (3a, 3b) by means of a joint (7).According to the invention, the joint (7) comprises a rotary bearing unit (8) with an adjusting device (10, 11, 14, 15, 17) with which a position of a rotary bearing element (10) of the at least one actuating arm (6a, 6b), through which a rotation axis of the actuating arm (6a, 6b) runs, is adjustable on the associated flap element (3a, 3b), wherein the adjusting device (10, 11, 14, 15, 17) comprises an adjusting element (17) with a spiral adjusting contour (17c) which is rotatably mounted on the rotary bearing unit (8) for adjusting the position of a rotary bearing element (10).