Furniture Actuator Diagnostics With LED Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing actuating systems in furniture, comprising a linear actuator, power supply unit, and manual control device, are difficult to diagnose for faults, leading to unnecessary replacement of the entire system and high repair costs due to unfamiliarity with electronics among users and repair services.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a diagnostic system with illuminated indicators connected to each component, allowing users or repair services to identify faulty components through distinct light signals, reducing the need for replacing the entire system and lowering repair costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an actuating system with multiple electronic components (linear actuator, power supply unit, manual control device) is used, then the functionality and adjustability of the furniture is improved, but the complexity of diagnosis and repair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through illuminated indicators that provide real-time status information about each component's functioning. Each component (linear actuator, power supply unit, manual control device) has an associated indicator that visually communicates its operational state, enabling users to quickly identify which component is faulty without needing to understand complex electronic diagnostics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an actuating system with multiple electronic components is used, then the functionality of the furniture is improved, but the cost of repair increases due to unnecessary replacement of entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuating system into distinct, independently diagnosable segments - the linear actuator, power supply unit, and manual control device - each with its own illuminated indicator. This segmentation allows users to identify and replace only the specific faulty component rather than the entire system, reducing repair costs and simplifying the repair process.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If illuminated indicators are added to each component, then the ease of diagnosis is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces illuminated indicators as intermediary elements that mediate between the complex electronic components and the user. These indicators translate complex electronic states into simple, intuitive visual signals, allowing users to diagnose faults without needing to understand the underlying electronic complexity. The indicators act as a bridge that simplifies the interaction between user and system.
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 simple and cost-effective identification of faulty components, allowing for targeted replacements and reducing overall repair expenses by enabling users or repair services to determine and replace only the faulty part.
Implementation Method 1
the illuminated indicator is formed by an LED (light-emitting diode)
Implementation Method 2
the illuminated indicator is formed by an LED (light-emitting diode) or an LCD (liquid crystal display)
Data Source
AI summary
An item of furniture includes at least one movable element and an actuating system for adjusting the movable element. The actuating system includes at least one linear actuator, a power supply unit and a manual control device. The power supply unit and the manual control device are electrically connected to the linear actuator, which has a diagnostic system having at least one illuminated indicator for indicating the functioning of the three components. The diagnostic system allows the user or a repair service to determine which of the three components is faulty, so that only the faulty component has to be replaced. Repair costs can be reduced significantly. The replacement of one of the three components can also then be carried out without difficulty by the user or a repair service.