Angular Furniture Drive Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture drives are bulky due to the fixed position of the spring assembly, limiting the adjustment path and requiring larger constructions, which complicates integration into furniture panels and affects accessibility and visual appeal.
Innovation Solution
The rotational axis of the adjustment element and the longitudinal direction of the threaded section are angularly movable, allowing for a more compact design, improved accessibility, and higher power ranges by enabling the components to be nested and arranged more tightly, with an angularly-movable coupling device transmitting torque and a displaceable shaft for compensation movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the spring assembly is positioned at a fixed location in known furniture drives, then the structure is simple to implement, but the furniture drive becomes bulky and requires larger construction dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the angle between the rotational axis of the adjustment element and the longitudinal direction of the threaded section variable rather than fixed. This angular variability allows the components to adapt their relative positions during operation, enabling a more compact nested arrangement while maintaining structural simplicity. The actuating arm's movement causes this angular change, dynamically optimizing the space utilization.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spring assembly is positioned at a fixed location in known furniture drives, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the adjustment path of the spring device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic angular relationship between the adjustment element and threaded section enables an extended adjustment path. As the actuating arm moves through its range of motion, the varying angle allows the spring device's engagement location to traverse a longer distance along the threaded section compared to fixed-angle designs, while still being manufacturable using standard threading processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular variability as an additional degree of freedom to the adjustment mechanism. By allowing the angle between the rotational axis and threaded section longitudinal direction to change, the system effectively utilizes angular space to extend the linear adjustment path without increasing the overall construction dimensions, thereby solving the limitation of fixed-position spring assemblies.
3Shape
If the carrier is received entirely within the furniture panel, then the visual appearance is improved by avoiding bores, but the accessibility to the adjustment element becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic angular adjustment mechanism allows the adjustment element to be positioned optimally relative to the actuating arm's movement path. This enables the carrier to be fully received within the furniture panel for improved visual appearance, while the adjustment element remains accessible through the variable angular positioning that exposes it during the actuating arm's operational range.
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 solution allows for a more compact and efficient furniture drive with improved accessibility and reduced construction height, enhancing the integration into furniture panels while maintaining high power ranges and minimizing visual disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded section (17) having a longitudinal direction (L). An engagement location (18) of the spring device (10) is adjustable along the threaded section (17) by a rotation of the adjustment element (19a) about the rotational axis (R)
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture drive includes a carrier configured to be fixed to or within a furniture panel of a furniture carcass, an actuating arm assembly arranged on the carrier, a spring device for applying a force to the actuating arm assembly, an adjustment device for adjusting a force of the spring device to the actuating arm assembly, and a threaded section having a longitudinal direction. An engagement location of the spring device is adjustable along the threaded section by a rotation of an adjustment element about a rotational axis, and the rotational axis of the adjustment element and the longitudinal direction of the threaded section enclose an angle to one another. The angle formed by the rotational axis of the adjustment element and the longitudinal direction of the threaded section is configured to be varied upon a movement of the actuating arm.