Furniture Closure Device with Time-Delayed Spring Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical systems for closing movable furniture parts, such as doors and drawers, lack user-friendly automation and efficient energy storage mechanisms that allow for automatic closure after a predetermined period, often requiring manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mechanical time mechanism that keeps an energy storage system loaded until a pre-determined period, allowing manual opening and charging, then automatically closes the furniture part using a spring and damper system, ensuring smooth and automatic movement towards the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical closing system uses a spring to automatically close a door, then the door can be closed automatically without manual intervention, but the door cannot remain open for a predetermined period to allow loading or discharge processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the spring mechanism when the door is opened, storing energy in advance. The spring is tensioned through a ratchet mechanism during door opening, preparing the closing force before it is needed. This allows the door to remain held open during loading/discharge operations and then close automatically when the release mechanism is activated, resolving the contradiction between automatic closing and temporary holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a release mechanism as an intermediary between the spring and the door. This intermediary component controls when the stored spring energy is transferred to the door for closing. The release mechanism can be held in a blocking position to maintain the door open, then released to allow automatic closing, thus mediating between the continuous spring force and the need for temporary door holding during operations.
2Extent of automation
If a ratchet mechanism is used to hold the spring back for a predetermined period, then the door can remain open during loading/discharge, but the mechanism becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ratchet mechanism with the spring-loaded closing mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The ratchet teeth are formed as part of the same component structure that guides the spring action, combining the holding function and the energy storage/release function in one unified mechanism. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the time-delayed automatic closing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the release mechanism to serve multiple functions: it acts as a blocking element to hold the door open, serves as a timer mechanism through its mechanical engagement with the ratchet, and functions as the activation point for automatic closing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving time-delayed automatic closing.
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
Enhances user friendliness by allowing manual opening and automatic closure, reducing manual intervention and ensuring smooth operation with adjustable timing and force coordination for efficient movement.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and a damper, which act on a linear-movable component or a swivel lever
Implementation Method 2
The damper causes a delay in the movement driven by the spring, and by coordinating the spring force and the damping force, the delay to solve the holding mechanism can be set
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for mechanically closing a movable furniture part (3), which device comprises a stored energy source (29), which is at least partly loaded as the movable furniture part (3) is manually opened and is at least partly unloaded as the movable furniture part (3) is closed, and a holding mechanism for holding the stored energy source (29) in a loaded state, wherein a timing element (9) is provided, which can be triggered when the movable furniture part reaches an open position, in order to release the holding mechanism and move the movable furniture part (3) in the closing direction after a predefined amount of time has passed. The invention further relates to a method for opening and closing a movable furniture part (3).