Drive device for a movable furniture part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for movable furniture parts face challenges in combining opposing movements of retraction and ejection without interference, requiring adjustable spring forces and clamping paths, and often necessitate replacement when retrofitting an ejection device, which complicates smooth operation.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a variable retraction path, adjustable via removable stops or limiting elements, allowing the travel path of the drawing-in carriage to be changed by moving a sliding part within the housing, enabling flexible integration of ejection and retraction devices without replacing the entire system, and allowing for mechanical or electrical adjustment of the blocking device to change the distance between end positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the retraction path is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different drawer sizes and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable sliding part that can change position along the guideway, transforming the fixed retraction path into a dynamic, adjustable path. The sliding part can be positioned at different locations to create different distances between the holding section and the stop section, allowing the same device to adapt to various drawer sizes and weights without structural modification
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into a base part and a movable sliding part that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the retraction path to be divided into adjustable segments, where the sliding part acts as a movable boundary that can be repositioned to suit different application requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If an ejection device is added to an existing retraction device, then the functionality is improved, but the entire system must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device is designed with a movable sliding part that can be positioned to accommodate different operational requirements. When an ejection device is added, the sliding part can be repositioned to create appropriate clearance and coordination between the retraction and ejection functions, allowing the same base structure to support multiple functions without replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable sliding part provides dynamic reconfiguration capability that enables the system to adapt when additional functionality (ejection) is integrated. The sliding part can be moved to different positions to optimize the interaction between retraction and ejection mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If the spring forces are made adjustable, then the operation for different weights is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the spring forces adjustable, the patent changes the geometric parameter of the retraction path by moving the sliding part to different positions. This alters the effective leverage and distance over which the spring force acts, providing weight adaptation through dimensional adjustment rather than force adjustment, thereby maintaining simpler spring mechanisms
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 seamless integration and adjustment of retraction and ejection movements, preventing unwanted stopping of drawers and allowing for easy retrofitting of ejection devices, ensuring smooth operation and flexibility in furniture design.
Implementation Method 1
a pull-in force accumulator acting on the pull-in slide
Implementation Method 2
the sliding part can be fixed by a blocking device in a blocking position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device (1) for a movable furniture part (2), comprising a retracting device (3) for retracting the movable furniture part (2) out of an open position (OS) into a closed position (SS), said retracting device (3) having a housing (4); a guide path (5) which is formed in the housing (4) and which comprises a retaining section (6); a retracting slide (7) which can be moved in the guide path (5) relative to the housing (4) and can be locked in the retaining section (6); and a retracting force accumulator (8) which urges the retracting slide (7). The retracting slide (7) can be moved along the guide path (5) between a first end position (E1), which corresponds to the retaining section (6), and a second end position (E2), which corresponds to the closed position (SS), wherein the distance (A) between the end positions (E1, E2) along the guide path (5) can be changed.