Foldable Wardrobe Door Drive With Adjustable Movement Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive and guide systems for foldable doors in wardrobes and furniture are difficult to adapt to varying dimensions and do not effectively control the movement of closing doors throughout their range.

Innovation Solution

A drive device with a sliding guide and guide slider system, including a rotatable drive member connected to biasing means, such as helical springs, and damping devices, which allows for adjustable and controlled movement of foldable doors, adaptable to different sizes and configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If known guide and drive systems are used for foldable doors, then the door movement can be driven, but the systems are difficult to adapt to different wardrobe configurations and dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wardrobe configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of guide and drive system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a telescopic rod with adjustable length that can be extended or retracted to accommodate different door configurations and wardrobe dimensions. The rod's length can be dynamically adjusted during installation to match specific requirements, providing adaptability without requiring completely different system designs for various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows modification of key parameters including the telescopic rod length, magnetic means positioning, and biasing spring characteristics to adapt the system to different wardrobe sizes and door weights. By changing these parameters rather than the overall system architecture, the patent achieves versatility while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If telescopic rod with magnetic means is used to drive door movement, then the door can be attracted towards closing or opening position, but effective control of movement throughout the entire range is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of door movementVSAvoidcomplexity of drive device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control mechanisms into a single integrated drive device: the telescopic rod provides the mechanical linkage, magnetic means provide attraction force, and biasing springs provide continuous pressure. This merging of functions allows reliable control throughout the entire door movement range without requiring separate control systems for different movement phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing spring acts as an intermediary element that continuously presses the telescopic rod against the door, ensuring maintained contact and control throughout the movement range. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the magnetic attraction force and the mechanical movement, providing reliable control from closing to opening position and vice versa.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system provides effective control and adaptation to various furniture sizes, ensuring smooth and controlled movement of foldable doors, including adjustable opening and closing positions.

Implementation Method 1

biasing means (22), in particular helical springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

damping devices (27, 28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4476421B1Drive device for foldable doors of wardrobes, walk-in closets or pieces of furniture in general
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 ARTURO SALICE SPA
  • EP4476421B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4476421B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4476421B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The drive device for foldable doors of wardrobes (10), walk-in closets or pieces of furniture comprises a sliding guide (18) fixable to a horizontal wall (11, 12) of the box-shaped body of the wardrobe (10) longitudinally to the front side of the wardrobe (10), at least one guide slider (19) slidably movable along said sliding guide (18), at least one drive member (20) rotatably connected to said at least one guide slider (19) and rotatably connectable to a first (17') or a second (17'') leaf of the foldable door (17), and biasing means (22) connected to said drive member (20) for driving a closing and/or opening movement of the foldable door (17).