Magnetorheological Furniture Drive Coupling for Wear-Free Torque Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture drives lack the ability to adjust coupling intensity and are prone to wear and tear due to friction-based mechanisms, making them inefficient and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A furniture drive utilizing a coupling device with a magnetorheological medium that adjusts coupling intensity through a magnetic field, allowing for adjustable and wear-free operation via a magnetizable solid particle fluid that transitions between fluid-like and solid states under magnetic influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based coupling mechanisms are used, then coupling intensity can be transmitted, but wear and tear increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical coupling mechanisms with a magnetic field-based coupling system. The magnetic coupling device uses magnetic attraction forces between magnetizable elements on the drive shaft and coupling elements on the actuating arm, eliminating direct mechanical contact and friction, thereby preventing wear and tear while maintaining reliable force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the drive shaft and the actuating arm. The magnetic field acts as a non-contact mediator that transmits force and torque without physical contact, avoiding the wear and tear associated with direct mechanical friction-based coupling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed coupling devices are used, then结构简单性 is maintained, but adaptability and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system where the coupling intensity can be adjusted during operation. The magnetic coupling device allows variable coupling strength by controlling the magnetic field strength, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions and load requirements, transitioning from a static to a dynamic coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of coupling intensity by changing the magnetic field parameters. By varying the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetizable elements, the coupling force between the drive shaft and actuating arm can be continuously adjusted, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If cable pull switching mechanisms are used, then coupling can be switched, but coupling intensity cannot be adjusted and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cable pull mechanical switching mechanisms with a magnetic field-based switching system. The magnetic coupling device can be engaged or disengaged by controlling the presence or strength of the magnetic field, eliminating the need for physical cable manipulation and associated friction-based coupling, thereby reducing wear while maintaining ease of operation.
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 adjustable and reliable coupling with reduced wear, enhancing the functionality and durability of furniture drives by allowing precise control over coupling intensity and damping of movements.
Implementation Method 1
The gap is filled with a magnetorheological medium that can be influenced by a magnetic field. When an external magnetic field is applied, the solid particles can be magnetized and form chains along the field lines of the magnetic field. This allows a magnetorheological medium to undergo a controlled transition from a fluid-like to a substantially solid state.
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture drive having an actuating arm with a coupling device for coupling the actuating arm to at least one drive part and at least one output part rotatable relative thereto. A coupling intensity between the at least one drive part and the at least one output part is adjustable by an adjustment device, and the at least one drive part and the at least one output part are arranged at a distance from one another to form a gap. The gap is filled with a magnetorheological medium that can be influenced by a magnetic field, and the adjustment device for adjusting the coupling intensity has a device for generating a magnetic field for magnetic polarization of the magnetorheological medium.