Drive device for moving a movable part of a piece of furniture, as well as a fitting arrangement and a piece of furniture with such a drive device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture drive devices require significant installation space and lack the flexibility to be both motor-driven and manually operable, limiting their compact design and usability in various furniture configurations.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive device comprising a motor, a first threaded element, a second threaded element, and an actuating element with stops, allowing for motor-driven or manual operation, and a spring-loaded holding arrangement to secure the movable part in the open position, while minimizing installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven actuating mechanism is implemented, then automation and convenience are improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second threaded element inside the actuating element's hollow cylindrical section. The actuating element serves as a container for the threaded mechanism, allowing the motor-driven actuation system to be compactly integrated without increasing external dimensions. This nested arrangement resolves the contradiction by enabling automation while minimizing installation space.
2Extent of automation
If a motor-driven actuating mechanism is implemented, then automation and convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural connector between the threaded element and the movable part, provides guidance for the second threaded element through its hollow cylindrical section, and serves as a mounting structure for the fitting element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining motor-driven automation.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation capability is maintained, then flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service operation by allowing the user to manually rotate the first threaded element directly. The first threaded element is designed with external threading that can be manually turned, and this manual rotation is transmitted through the second threaded element to move the actuating element. This design allows manual operation without requiring additional mechanisms or components, thereby maintaining ease of operation while avoiding increased device complexity.
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 solution enables efficient movement of furniture parts between closed and open positions with reduced installation space, enhancing usability and flexibility in furniture design by allowing both motor-driven and manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first threaded element which can be driven in rotation by the motor and a second threaded element which can be moved in translation along the first threaded element upon rotation of the first threaded element
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device for moving a movable part of a piece of piece of furniture between a closed position and an open position includes a motor pivotably connectable to a body of the piece of furniture via a support assembly, a first threaded element rotatably drivable by the motor, and a second threaded element engaged with said first threaded element. The second threaded element is translationally displaced along the first threaded element upon rotation of the first threaded element. An actuating element having a first stop and a second stop is included and is arranged displaceably relative to the first threaded element along an axis of motion. The second threaded element is arranged axially displaceably relative to the actuating element between the first stop and the second stop of the actuating element. Also, a fitting element pivotally connected to the actuating element and connectable to the movable furniture part is included.