Furniture Drive with Offset Axes for Unobstructed Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture drives with synchronization rods interfere with storage and removal of items due to their positioning, either hindering access or being visually distracting.
Innovation Solution
The design positions the first axis of rotation of the actuating arm higher and the second axis of rotation laterally offset, with a synchronization shaft placed deeper within the furniture body, using gears and a coupling device with offset toothing to synchronize movements, minimizing interference and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the synchronization rod is positioned adjacent to one end of the furniture body, then the synchronization function is achieved, but it hinders the storage and removal of stored items and is visually disturbing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the synchronization shaft from a lateral position at the end of the furniture body to a vertical position within the furniture body structure. By positioning the shaft vertically and integrating it into the internal structure, the synchronization function is maintained while eliminating the obstruction to storage and removal operations. The shaft is placed in the vertical dimension rather than extending laterally, allowing items to be freely accessed without interference.
2Reliability
If the synchronization rod is positioned adjacent to one end of the furniture body, then the synchronization function is achieved, but it is visually disturbing
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization shaft is extracted from the external visible area and integrated into the internal structure of the furniture body. By placing the shaft within the furniture structure rather than externally adjacent to it, the synchronization mechanism remains functional while becoming visually concealed. The shaft is positioned in the vertical dimension within the furniture body, removing it from the visual field and eliminating the aesthetic disturbance.
3Volume of moving object
If the first axis of rotation is positioned closer to the upper floor, then the rotating component can be positioned higher, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the synchronization shaft with the furniture body structure by integrating it into the vertical framework. The shaft is positioned vertically within the furniture body and connected to the actuating arms through gear mechanisms that are merged with the overall structure. This integration reduces the need for separate external synchronization components and simplifies the mechanical structure while achieving the desired vertical positioning of the rotating component.
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
This arrangement allows for unobstructed storage and removal of items while maintaining synchronized movement, with improved visibility and reduced mechanical play between components.
Implementation Method 1
the first axis of rotation has a greater normal distance from the at least one upper side than the second axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
using gears and a coupling device with offset toothing to synchronize movements
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A furniture drive (4) for moving a movably mounted furniture part (3), comprising: - a support (9) for fastening to a furniture carcass (2), - at least one actuating arm (5) which is rotatable about at least one first axis of rotation (7a) and which serves for moving the movably mounted furniture part (3) relative to the support (9), - an interface (21) for fastening a synchronizing shaft (6), wherein the synchronizing shaft (6) allows a rotational movement of the at least one actuating arm (5) to be synchronized with a rotational movement of at least one actuating arm (5) of at least one further furniture drive (4), - wherein the interface (21) has at least one component (11) which is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (7b), wherein the second axis of rotation (7b) is arranged so as to be laterally offset from the first axis of rotation (7a) of the actuating arm (5), wherein the support (9) has at least one upper side (31) which, with the furniture drive (4) in a mounted state on the furniture carcass (2), faces an upper panel (2a) of the furniture carcass (2), wherein the first axis of rotation (7a) has a greater normal distance from the at least one upper side (31) than the second axis of rotation (7b).