Detachable Ejection Plunger for Power-Failure Door Closing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ejection devices for movable furniture parts, such as revolving doors, are not space-efficient and aesthetically pleasing, and they pose challenges during power failures when the actuator element is extended, making it difficult to close the door without damaging the gear mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A detachable actuator element, such as a movable ejection plunger, is designed to be releasably attached to an actuator element receptacle, with a sensor device and control device to manage the ejection device's operation, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and a fault routine to facilitate reattachment after a power failure, using a bayonet catch for secure attachment and an audible signal for user guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the ejection device is integrated into the furniture wall to save space, then the installation space is reduced and appearance is improved, but the device becomes more compact and harder to access for manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidmanual accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection device is divided into separate functional components: the actuator element (ejection plunger) that can be detached, and the receptacle that remains integrated in the furniture wall. This segmentation allows the device to maintain compact integration while providing manual accessibility through the removable actuator element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the integrated ejection device. This allows the main body to remain compactly integrated in the furniture wall while the actuator element can be removed for manual operation or replacement, resolving the contradiction between compact integration and manual accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the actuator element is made detachable for easy replacement, then the ease of repair and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator element replacementVSAvoiddetachable connection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator element is segmented as a separate, detachable component with a simple connection interface to the receptacle. This segmentation enables easy replacement and adaptability while keeping the added complexity minimal through straightforward mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable actuator element design provides multi-functionality: it can be removed for manual operation during power failures, replaced with different variants for different applications, and reattached after maintenance. This universality improves ease of repair and adaptability without requiring complex specialized mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the gear inhibition of the gearbox is maintained to protect the gearbox, then the reliability is improved, but the ability to manually close the door after power failure is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegearbox protectionVSAvoidmanual closing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator element is extracted as a removable component that can be detached before manual operation. This allows the gearbox inhibition to remain engaged for protection during automated operation, while enabling manual closing capability through the removed actuator element that no longer interferes with the gearbox inhibition mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator element is removed in advance before manual closing is required. This preliminary action eliminates the interference between the actuator element and the gearbox inhibition, allowing manual closing to proceed reliably without risking gearbox damage while maintaining the protection mechanism during normal automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If the ejection plunger is extended during operation to eject the door, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of power failure leaving the door open increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor ejection functionVSAvoiddoor closing reliability after power failure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator element is extracted as a removable component that can be detached when power failure is detected or anticipated. This allows the door ejection function to operate reliably during powered operation, while enabling manual closing capability after power failure by removing the actuator element that would otherwise be extended and interfere with manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2429338A1Ejection apparatus for movable furniture parts and method for controlling the ejection apparatus
Publication Date: 2012.03.21 HETTICH ONI

AI summary

The invention relates to an ejection apparatus for a movable furniture part, particularly a pivotable door of a piece of furniture, provided with a furniture body (1) having at least one wall (2), or several walls (2 to 6), wherein the ejection apparatus further comprises the following: an actuator element, particularly an ejection tappet (11), actuated by a drive device, said actuator element being detachably fixed to or in an actuator element receptacle (12), particularly an ejection tappet receptacle (12). The invention further relates to a method for controlling said ejection apparatus.