Furniture Flap Drive Gear Stage for Modular Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flap drive systems for furniture are limited by the need for custom-designed electric drives and mechanical actuating units, leading to high production costs due to the lack of compatibility with different mechanical actuating units.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained transmission stage with a housing that operates independently of the electric drive and mechanical actuating unit, allowing for a single electric drive to be used with various mechanical actuating units by adjusting the transmission stage's dimensions and mounting configurations to accommodate different actuating arm travel paths and flap weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric drives are custom-designed for each mechanical actuating unit, then the actuation performance is optimized, but the production cost increases and interchangeability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into three independent modules: the electric drive unit, the transmission stage, and the mechanical actuating unit. This segmentation allows each module to be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced. The electric drive can be standardized while the transmission stage is customized to match different mechanical actuating units, achieving both economies of scale and performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission stage serves as an intermediary component between the standardized electric drive and the diverse mechanical actuating units. It adapts the standardized output of the electric drive to the specific requirements of different mechanical actuating units through customizable transmission mechanisms, enabling interchangeability without compromising actuation performance.
2Reliability
If electric drives are custom-designed for each mechanical actuating unit, then the actuation performance is optimized, but the device complexity and variety of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into three independent modules: the electric drive unit, the transmission stage, and the mechanical actuating unit. This segmentation allows each module to be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced. The electric drive can be standardized while the transmission stage is customized to match different mechanical actuating units, achieving both economies of scale and performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized electric drive unit is designed with universal mounting interfaces and output characteristics that can work with multiple types of mechanical actuating units through the intermediary transmission stage. This universality reduces the variety of unique components needed while maintaining optimized actuation performance for each specific application.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized transmission stage is used, then interchangeability and cost are improved, but the adaptability to different force transmission requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission stage incorporates adjustable and configurable transmission mechanisms that can be adapted to different force transmission requirements. The standardized housing and mounting interfaces provide cost efficiency, while the internal transmission components can be configured or adjusted to match the specific torque and motion requirements of different mechanical actuating units.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission stage allows for parameter adjustments in gear ratios, transmission forces, and motion characteristics to accommodate different mechanical actuating units. This enables a standardized component to provide customized force transmission characteristics through parameter changes rather than requiring completely different components.
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 enables cost-effective and versatile flap drive systems that can be easily adapted to different mechanical actuating units and furniture designs, reducing production costs and allowing for compact, modular assembly with easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the electric drive having at least one electric motor
Implementation Method 2
a transmission stage which permits a transmission of force from the electric drive to the mechanical actuating unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flap drive system for a flap which is movably mounted on a furniture carcass. The flap drive system is arranged on a sidewall of the furniture carcass. The flap drive system includes a mechanical actuating unit having an actuating arm that can be connected to the flap and an accumulator acting upon the actuating arm, and an electric drive, fastened on the mechanical actuating unit for driving the flap. The electric drive has at least one electric motor, and a gear stage which allows the transmission of force from the electric drive onto the mechanical actuating unit. The gear stage is designed as a separate component, and has a housing that is independent from the mechanical actuating unit and the electric drive or an independent mounting plate.