Flap Fitting with Adjustable Opening Angle Limiter for Damping Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flap fittings for furniture with damping mechanisms are impaired by the use of fixed opening angle limiters, which prevent the flap from reaching its intended open position, thereby rendering the damping function ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A flap fitting design that incorporates a detachably connected opening angle limiter supported against the activator of a damper, allowing the swivel arm to be indirectly supported by both the damper and the limiter, enabling adjustable damping even when the opening angle is limited.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed opening angle limiter is used to limit the pivoting path of the flap, then the opening angle is limited to avoid collision with ceilings or other elements, but the damping function becomes ineffective because the flap fitting does not reach the intended open position where the damper operates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening angle limiter is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned along the swivel arm to change the limited open position. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different ceiling heights and room configurations while maintaining effective damping operation at each adjusted position.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening angle limiter is divided into a separate, detachable component that can be independently adjusted and repositioned. This segmentation allows the limiter to be modified without affecting the damper mechanism, enabling the damping function to remain effective at different opening angles.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening angle limiter is positioned to provide adequate ceiling clearance, then the flap can be opened safely, but the damper cannot operate effectively because the flap fitting stops before reaching the damper's effective range
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable opening angle limiter allows the limited open position to be dynamically configured to provide the necessary ceiling clearance while still enabling the flap to reach a position where the damper can operate effectively. The limiter can be repositioned to optimize both ceiling clearance and damping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable opening angle limiter acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the ceiling clearance requirement and the damping operation requirement. By allowing adjustment of the limiter position, it finds an optimal compromise point that satisfies both constraints.
3Device complexity
If a fixed stop is used as an opening angle limiter, then the structure is simple, but the damping elements cannot function because the flap fitting is stopped before the damper's effective range is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The opening angle limiter transitions from a fixed, simple structure to an adjustable structure that maintains relative simplicity while adding the capability to be repositioned. This adjustment feature enables the limiter to work in conjunction with the damper at different positions without significantly complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable opening angle limiter serves multiple functions: it limits the opening angle to prevent ceiling collision and simultaneously allows the flap to reach positions where the damper can operate effectively. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and damping reliability.
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 the limitation of the opening angle without compromising the damping function, ensuring the flap fitting can be used in applications where ceiling clearance is a concern while maintaining effective damping.
Implementation Method 1
a damper with a support element and an activator that can be moved in a damped manner relative to it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Flap fitting (11) for a flap or a cover (7) of a piece of furniture, the flap fitting (11) having the following: a base element (12), a damper (14) with a support element (15) and an activator ( 16) and a swivel arm (10) which is attached to the base element (12) so that it can swivel between an open position and a closed position and which, at least in the open position, is supported indirectly via the damper (14) against the base element (12), an opening angle limiter ( 13) is provided, which is supported against the activator (16) of the damper (14).