Angled Damper Stroke for Compact Furniture Hinge Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing damper arrangements for pivotable furniture parts require excessive space due to the orientation of the linear damping stroke, which is typically perpendicular to the joint axis, leading to a bulky construction.

Innovation Solution

The damper's linear damping stroke is arranged at an angle deviating from the vertical, preferably between 45° to 60°, or essentially parallel to the joint axis, and is actuated by a joint lever, reducing the space required for the damping stroke and integrating the damper into a hinge mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the linear damper is mounted transversely to the joint axis with the damping stroke perpendicular to the joint axis, then the damper can effectively dampen the closing movement, but the space requirement becomes excessively large and the construction becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping effectivenessVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation of the damping stroke from perpendicular to the joint axis to parallel with the joint axis. This dimensional reorientation allows the damper to be integrated within the hinge structure along the joint axis direction, eliminating the need for additional transverse space and reducing the overall volume requirement while maintaining damping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The damper is merged with the hinge structure by aligning the damping stroke parallel to the joint axis. The damper housing and joint lever are integrated into the same structural space, combining the damping function with the hinge mechanism and eliminating separate space requirements for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the damper is arranged with the damping stroke perpendicular to the joint axis, then the damping action can be clearly separated from the pivot movement, but the overall construction becomes bulky and requires excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural separationVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorients the damping stroke to be parallel to the joint axis rather than perpendicular. This dimensional change allows the damping action to occur along the same axis as the pivot movement, enabling compact integration without requiring separate transverse space, thus reducing overall device volume while maintaining functional clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the damping stroke is oriented perpendicular to the joint axis, then the damper housing can be clearly positioned, but the space required for the damping stroke becomes excessively large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing positioningVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent orients the damping stroke parallel to the joint axis, which allows the damper housing to be positioned within the existing hinge structure along the joint axis. This orientation eliminates the need for additional transverse space and allows the housing to be compactly integrated into the hinge assembly, reducing overall volume while maintaining manufacturing clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration significantly reduces the overall space requirement while maintaining effective damping, allowing for a more compact and efficient design of furniture hinges and damper assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

at least one damper with a linear damping stroke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP1931850B1Damper arrangement
Publication Date: 2011.08.24 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP1931850B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1931850B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1931850B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a damper arrangement for parts (1) of furniture that can be pivoted in relation to each other. Said arrangement comprises at least one damper (2) having a linear damping course, and at least two abutment parts (5, 6) which can be respectively fixed to one of the parts of the furniture, or can be supported thereon in an especially sliding manner . Said abutment parts are interconnected in such a way that they can be pivoted by means of at least one articulated axis (9). The damper (2) is arranged in such a way that the direction (10, 10', 10") of the linear damping course thereof is at an angle to a parallel (37), deviating from a vertical (36), preferably essentially parallel to the articulated axis (9).