Furniture Damper Piston Rod Face Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dampers for furniture, particularly those with a piston and piston rod, face issues with insufficient load-bearing capacity during high compressive loads, leading to damage and failure of the connecting element, especially during piston rod insertion.
Innovation Solution
A damper design where the piston rod's face directly contacts the component in the seat, allowing direct force transmission without relying on the connecting element to absorb compressive loads, using a metal piston rod and a plastic connecting element that only transmits force during withdrawal, and incorporating a metal slider for enhanced load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plastic connecting element is used to couple the piston rod to the hinge component, then the damper is easier to manufacture and assemble, but the connecting element cannot withstand high compressive loads during piston rod insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a metal insert as an intermediary component between the plastic connecting element and the piston rod. This metal insert acts as a mediator that transfers the high compressive loads from the piston rod to the hinge component, while the plastic connecting element maintains its functions of easy manufacturing, assembly, and electrical insulation. The metal insert specifically absorbs the compressive forces during piston rod insertion, preventing damage to the plastic material.
2Reliability
If the connecting element transmits all forces including high compressive loads, then the coupling is more robust, but the softer connecting element material becomes damaged causing deformations or cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by differentiating the material properties at different locations within the connecting element. The outer connecting element is made of plastic with properties optimized for electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, and ease of assembly. The inner insert is made of metal with properties optimized for withstanding high compressive loads. This local differentiation of material quality allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
3Strength
If a metal connecting element is used to withstand high loads, then the load-bearing capacity increases, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite structure combining plastic and metal materials within a single connecting element. The plastic outer element provides electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, and ease of manufacturing, while the metal inner insert provides the necessary compressive load-bearing capacity. This composite approach achieves the strength of metal components while retaining the manufacturing advantages and protective properties of plastic, without requiring a completely metal construction that would increase complexity and cost.
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
The design enhances the damper's ability to withstand high compressive loads, preventing material deformation and damage, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining higher damping forces during insertion and reduced forces during withdrawal, thus ensuring effective damping without compromising the connecting element's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a face of the piston rod is disposed on the seat of the connecting element such that a component disposed in the seat, for example, a bolt of a movable hinge part, can abut directly and immediately on the face of the piston rod
Implementation Method 2
damping takes place via the throttle effect of a flow channel, where the damping forces are different during insertion and withdrawal of the piston rod
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a damper (1) for furniture, especially hinges, comprising a housing (2) in which a piston (8) is connected to a piston rod (3) and can be displaced. A fluid flows through at least one flow channel (11) on or in the piston (8) during a movement of the piston (8) inside the housing (2). A connecting element (4) having a seat (5) for coupling a drive element thereto is provided on the piston rod (3) on the end section projecting from the housing (2). The seat (5) has a cut-out section (18) on the face of the of the piston rod (3) accommodated therein, said cut-out section allowing the direct mechanical contact of a face (17) of the piston rod (3) and a drive element accommodated in the seat (5) so that there is a direct flux of force in the axial direction from the drive element accommodated in the seat towards the piston rod (3) when pressure is applied.