Electromotive Furniture Drive With Universal Battery Charging Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromotive furniture drives face challenges with rechargeable battery compatibility and charging circuit adaptation due to geometrical differences among batteries, requiring new housings and charging circuits for each type, which limits flexibility and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electromotive furniture drive system incorporating a rechargeable battery unit, mains power supply device, and coupling apparatus with an isolating transformer for electrical isolation, allowing for modular configuration and independent housing of the charging device, which can adapt to different battery types and sizes, and includes a reference device for voltage and current detection to optimize charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging circuit is integrated in the housing of the rechargeable battery, then the furniture drive can be moved without disturbing cables, but the housing and charging circuit need to be adapted when the battery shape or specifications change
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the rechargeable battery unit with battery, the coupling apparatus with charging circuit, and the mains power supply device. This segmentation allows the battery to be changed independently without requiring changes to the housing or charging circuit, as the charging circuit resides in the coupling apparatus rather than the battery housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling apparatus is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different types of rechargeable batteries through standardized connections. The charging circuit in the coupling apparatus can charge various battery types (NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion, Li-Polymer) without requiring circuit adaptation, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different battery specifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized charging circuit is used for different battery types, then compatibility is improved, but the charging optimization for each battery type may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling apparatus incorporates a reference device that detects battery-specific electrical parameters (voltage, current characteristics) and provides feedback to the charging circuit. This feedback mechanism allows the standardized charging circuit to automatically adjust charging parameters based on the connected battery type, ensuring both broad compatibility and optimized charging performance for each battery chemistry.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging circuit dynamically changes operating parameters (charging current, voltage levels, charging stages) based on the detected battery type and state. The reference device measures battery parameters and the charging circuit adjusts its operation accordingly, enabling a single standardized circuit to optimize charging for different battery types through parameter adaptation rather than hardware changes.
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
The system provides a flexible, compact, and cost-effective solution for powering furniture drives, allowing for universal use and easy recharging without disturbing cables, with the ability to operate using either battery power or mains supply, enhancing user convenience and design freedom.
Implementation Method 1
includes an isolating transformer or a transformer unit for electrical isolation between the mains-bound input side and the low-voltage-providing output side
Data Source
AI summary
An electromotive furniture drive includes an electric motor, the rotational direction of which can be reversed, a motor controller, a manual control, a battery unit, and a mains power supply device. A speed-reducing transmission is connected downstream of the electric motor and a further transmission is connected downstream of each speed-reducing transmission and the battery unit has at least one battery. To enable simple, economical and easy installation, in particular in tight installation spaces, the furniture drive has a coupling device which includes a charging device for charging the at least one battery of the battery unit. The coupling device also has a reference device, which is connected to a charging device The furniture drive is especially suited for slatted bed frames and armchairs.