Furniture Drive Device with Linear Synchronization for Compact Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive devices for moveable furniture parts, such as drawers, face challenges with complex synchronization mechanisms and large space requirements due to rotary movements, and often necessitate additional force storage means for uncontrolled synchronization during closing movements.

Innovation Solution

A drive device with a linearly moveable transmission element, a cardioid-shaped guide track, and a locking element that serves both to lock the locking pin and transmit movement to a second drive device, eliminating the need for complex rotary movements and additional force storage means, and allowing for simplified synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary coupling element is used for synchronization, then movement transmission between drive devices is achieved, but the device size and structural complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization capabilityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a rotary coupling element that rotates to transmit movement, the patent inverts the approach by using a linearly moveable transmission element that moves back and forth along a guide track. The locking pin pushes the transmission element linearly during closing movement, and the transmission element returns linearly during opening movement, eliminating the need for rotary motion and significantly reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide track is divided into distinct functional segments: a closing portion where the locking pin pushes the transmission element, a latching portion where the transmission element is held stationary, and an opening portion where the transmission element returns to its initial position. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex continuous rotary motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If additional force storage means are added for synchronization, then uncontrolled synchronization during closing movement is prevented, but the device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization controlVSAvoidcomponent quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the force storage means (such as springs) from the synchronization mechanism. Instead of using a spring-loaded coupling element that requires force storage and release, the transmission element is moved directly by the locking pin during closing movement and returns passively during opening movement. This removes the need for additional force storage components while maintaining reliable synchronization control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission element serves itself by being directly actuated by the locking pin during closing movement without requiring external force storage means. The element moves on its own along the guide track under the direct action of the locking pin, and returns to its initial position during opening movement, eliminating the need for separate force storage and release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a locking element on the transmission element is used, then both locking and movement transmission functions are achieved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is merged with the transmission element into a single integrated component. The transmission element features both a locking portion that engages with the guide track to prevent backward movement and a transmission portion that is pushed by the locking pin. This merging of functions into one component simplifies the overall structure compared to having separate locking and transmission elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission element is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both the locking mechanism (through its locking portion engaging the guide track) and the movement transmission mechanism (through its transmission portion being pushed by the locking pin). This universal design reduces the total number of components while achieving multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11819128B2Drive device for a moveable furniture part

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 JULIUS BLUM GMBH

AI summary

A drive device includes a carrier, an ejection device for ejecting a moveable furniture part out of a closed position, and a locking device for locking the ejection device in the locked position. The locking device has a locking pin connected to the ejection device and a guide track for the locking pin in or on the carrier. The locking pin is locked in an engaging recess of the guide track in the locked position, and a synchronization device is movable relative to the carrier for synchronizing the movement of the drive device with a second drive device. The synchronization device has a transmission element to be moved by the locking pin. The transmission element remains still with the overpressure movement, can be moved by the locking pin during opening movement, can be moved by the locking pin during closing movement, and is linearly moveably mounted on the carrier.