Adjustable Flap Fitting for Different Furniture Flap Weights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flap fittings struggle to adapt the energy store's effect to the weight of the flap, limiting flexibility in accommodating flaps of different sizes and weights.
Innovation Solution
A flap fitting with a support arm connected to a drive lever via an articulation element, allowing adjustment of the energy store's effect by changing the connection point and leverage, using an adjustable connection mechanism such as a linear guide or pivoting lever to optimize force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed spring connection is used in the support arm, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment options for adapting to different flap weights are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection between the energy store (spring) and the support arm adjustable rather than fixed. The connection can be positioned at different locations along the support arm's length, allowing the leverage ratio to be dynamically changed. This enables the same mechanical structure to adapt to different flap weights by simply repositioning the spring connection point, transforming a static system into a dynamically adjustable one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the energy store connection point is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the flexibility to accommodate different flap sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support arm into multiple segments or positioning zones where the energy store connection can be located. Instead of a single fixed connection point, the support arm has multiple possible connection locations along its length. This segmentation allows the manufacturer to produce standardized support arms with predefined connection points that can be selected based on the specific flap weight and size requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous individual parts are used in the furniture fitting, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the installation volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple functions into a single integrated support arm structure. The support arm integrates the mounting connection, the energy store connection, and the flap connection all in one component. By merging these functions into a single part with adjustable connection points, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive functionality for different flap configurations.
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
Enables flexible adjustment to accommodate both small, light and large, heavy flaps by optimizing the force curve and leverage, providing a compact design with reduced friction and fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
an energy store by means of which a force can be applied to the support arm
Implementation Method 2
The energy store acts on the drive lever or the deflection lever by means of the articulation element via the connection, so that the effective lever length can be changed via the distance between the axis of rotation and the connection
Data Source
AI summary
A flap fitting includes a housing, on which a support arm is rotatably mounted, which includes a retaining element for fixing a flap, and an energy store, by means of which the support arm can be pre-tensioned in a rotational direction. The support arm is articulated to a drive lever which is articulated to a deflection lever, and the energy store is connected to an adjustable connection on the deflection lever via an articulation element. This allows the flap fitting to be flexibly adapted to the weight of a flap.