Furniture Actuator Locking Mechanism for Uncontrolled Flap Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Actuators with locking devices for furniture flaps can cause uncontrolled deflection and potential injuries or damage when the flap is not yet connected, as the spring device's force acts on the actuating arm without a counterweight, leading to unsafe operation.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a manually operable switching element and a control part on the actuating arm, which can unlock the actuating arm by interacting with the same locking element, allowing manual release or automatic locking based on the furniture part's mounting, providing three locking positions (closed, open, and half-open) to prevent uncontrolled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring device is used to compensate for the weight of the furniture flap, then the operation of the furniture flap is assisted and made easier, but the actuating arm can swing out uncontrollably when the flap is not connected, causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is activated before the furniture flap is connected to the actuating arm, preventing the spring device from causing uncontrolled movement. The locking element engages with the detent recess to counteract the spring force ahead of time, eliminating the safety hazard while preserving the weight compensation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating arm is pre-locked in a predetermined position using the locking device before the furniture flap is mounted. This preliminary locking action ensures that the spring device cannot cause uncontrolled swinging during installation, and the lock is released only after the flap is securely connected.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking device is added to prevent uncontrolled movement, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated into the existing actuator structure, combining the locking function with the actuating mechanism. The locking element, detent recess, and switching element are incorporated into the actuator housing and arm, avoiding the need for separate locking components and minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device operates automatically through the switching element that is actuated by the connection between the furniture flap and the actuating arm. The system self-locks during installation without requiring external intervention, and the spring device itself provides the force to engage the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
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
Ensures safe and controlled operation by allowing manual or automatic unlocking of the actuating arm, preventing uncontrolled deflection and enhancing user safety during assembly and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device (7) for applying force to the actuating arm (6)
Implementation Method 2
a locking device (17, 23) for releasably locking the actuating arm (6), wherein the locking device has at least one movably mounted locking element (20) which, in a position locking the actuating arm (6), interacts with at least one detent recess (28a, 28b, 28c)
Implementation Method 3
If the force applied to the switching element is removed or the connection between the movable furniture part and the adjusting arm is released, the locking element is immediately moved back into the locking position by the force of a spring element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Actuator (4) for moving a furniture part (3) movably mounted relative to a furniture body (2), comprising: - at least one pivotally mounted actuating arm (6) for moving the movable furniture part (3), - a spring device (7) for applying force to the actuating arm (6), - a locking device (17) for releasably locking the actuating arm (6), wherein the locking device (17) has at least one movably mounted locking element (20) which, in a position locking the actuating arm (6), interacts with at least one detent recess (28a), wherein the locking element (17) can be unlocked from the at least one detent recess (28a) both by a manually actuated switching element (18) and by a control part (19) mounted on the actuating arm (6), which can be actuated by mounting the movable furniture part (3) on the actuating arm (6).