Furniture Control Arm Rolling Surfaces for Low-Wear Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control arms for furniture flaps experience high operating forces and wear due to sliding friction between components, leading to a reduced service life and requiring larger designs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a rolling motion between the control part and the thrust piece to minimize sliding friction, with curved surfaces and positive-locking elements to ensure precise force transmission and stable positioning, allowing for a compact and durable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sliding friction is used between control part and thrust piece, then simpler structure is achieved, but operating forces increase and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control part and thrust piece are designed with curved rolling surfaces that enable rolling motion between them. The curvature of these surfaces ensures continuous contact and smooth rolling during the pivoting movement of the arm sections, transforming the friction mechanism from sliding to rolling, thereby reducing operating forces and extending service life
2Device complexity
If sliding friction occurs between control part and thrust piece, then fewer components are needed, but operating forces and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
Curved rolling surfaces are implemented on both the control part and thrust piece, enabling rolling motion that significantly reduces the friction coefficient and required operating forces compared to sliding friction, while maintaining a compact design with minimal components
3Volume of moving object
If sliding friction is used, then compact design is achieved, but wear increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling surfaces are designed with appropriate curvature radii that enable effective rolling motion within the compact space of the control arm, reducing wear between the control part and thrust piece while extending service life, all within a space-efficient configuration
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
Reduces operating forces, minimizes wear, and extends the service life of the control arm while maintaining secure positioning and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element is provided which biases the thrust piece relative to the control piece
Implementation Method 2
the relative movement between the control part and the thrust piece is a rolling movement
Data Source
AI summary
A control arm includes a first and a second arm section pivotably connected to each other. A control part is coupled to the first arm section and includes a control surface. A thrust piece is mounted on the second arm section and includes a counter control surface. At least one spring element biases the thrust piece relative to the control piece. The arm sections are pivoted relative to one another and the relative movement between the control part and the thrust piece is a rolling movement.