Driven Fitting Adjustable Clutch Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driven fittings for furniture, such as flap fittings, face challenges in varying the angle of rotation range and forces acting on the actuating arm, making it difficult to optimize the release torque for manual actuation and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A driven fitting with an adjustable coupling mechanism that allows the force for disengaging the clutch to be adjusted based on the position of the actuating arm, using a cam-driven mechanism to vary the preload of the latching means, enabling optimal setting of the release mechanism independent of external influences like the weight of the furniture part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed coupling device is used between the actuating arm and drive, then the structure is simple, but the release torque cannot be optimized for different positions and manual actuation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the coupling device adjustable rather than fixed. The coupling device can be set to different disengagement positions along the adjustment path of the actuating arm, allowing the release torque to be optimized for specific positions. This dynamic adjustability enables manual actuation to be facilitated at chosen positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the release torque is optimized for one position, then manual actuation is easy at that position, but the coupling device cannot be adapted to other positions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed with adjustable disengagement positions that can be set at different points along the actuating arm's adjustment path. This allows the system to adapt to different positions while maintaining optimized release torque characteristics for manual actuation at the selected position.
3Reliability
If the clutch disengagement force is high, then accidental actuation is prevented, but manual actuation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device allows the disengagement force to be optimized for specific positions along the adjustment path. By selecting appropriate disengagement positions, the system can maintain sufficiently high disengagement force to prevent accidental actuation while still allowing intentional manual actuation at the optimized positions where the release mechanism is designed to disengage properly.
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
Enables consistent or low release force for the clutch across the adjustment path, enhancing manual actuation ease and preventing accidental activation, while allowing motorized operation with optimized engagement.
Implementation Method 1
The latching means can be preloaded into the latched position by a spring, the spring force for preloading the latching means being variable.
Implementation Method 2
A mechanically reliable triggering mechanism has a cam coupled to the actuator arm to vary the force for triggering the latching means. The cam can change the preload of the locking means depending on the position of the actuating arm.
Data Source
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AI summary
A powered fitting (1), in particular a flap fitting for furniture, comprises at least one actuating arm (2) for opening and closing a movable furniture part (4), and a drive (5) for moving the actuating arm (2), wherein a coupling (9) is arranged between the actuating arm (2) and the drive (5), which allows movement of the actuating arm (2) also independently of the drive (5). The force required to disengage the coupling (9) is adjustable depending on the position of the actuating arm (2), so that the disengagement of the coupling (9) can be adapted to the possible manual operation by the user.