Furniture Ejection Lever Mechanism for Pull-Open Active Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic touch-latch mechanisms in furniture fittings do not enable active ejection of movable furniture parts when opened by pulling, as the ejection lever lacks a dedicated ejection force accumulator for this action.
Innovation Solution
The drive device incorporates a dual-path ejection mechanism where the ejection lever can be pulled into a second path to bypass the locking element, allowing it to actively eject the movable furniture part by engaging a second ejection surface, utilizing a tension spring as the ejection force accumulator and a control plate with a movable control element to facilitate this action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ejection lever is designed to be locked by a locking element in the closed position, then the locking function is ensured, but the ejection lever cannot be actively ejected when the movable furniture part is pulled open
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection path is segmented into a first path (blocked by locking element) and a second path (spaced apart and accessible when pulled). This segmentation allows the ejection lever to have different movement routes for different unlocking scenarios, enabling active ejection when pulled without compromising the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
A second ejection surface is introduced as an intermediary element that the ejection lever can push against when pulled open. This second ejection surface acts as a mediator that enables the ejection lever to generate ejection force independently of the main ejection surface, allowing active ejection during pull-open operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ejection lever uses a single ejection path blocked by the locking element, then the locking mechanism is simple, but active ejection is not possible when opened by pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection path is divided into two separate paths: a first path that is blocked by the locking element in the closed position, and a second path that is spaced apart from the first path and accessible when the movable furniture part is pulled open. This allows the ejection lever to selectively use different paths based on the unlocking method.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds spatial dimensionality to the ejection mechanism by creating a second ejection surface spaced apart from the main ejection surface. This dimensional separation allows the ejection lever to access different ejection surfaces depending on whether it is pushed or pulled, enabling versatile ejection capability without complex mechanical linkages.
3Reliability
If the ejection lever rests against the locking element in the closed position, then the locking is secure, but the locking element blocks the ejection path
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection mechanism is segmented into two distinct paths: the first path is blocked by the locking element to ensure secure locking, while the second path is spaced apart and becomes accessible when pulled, ensuring ejection accessibility. This segmentation resolves the conflict between locking security and ejection accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the locking element directly block the ejection path, the design inverts the approach by providing an alternative second ejection surface that is accessible from a different direction (when pulled). This allows the locking element to maintain its blocking function while the ejection lever can still be actively ejected through the alternative path.
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 the movable furniture part to be actively ejected when pulled open, improving the functionality by allowing unlocking and ejection through pulling, enhancing the usability and design of the touch-latch mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an ejection force accumulator (9) which is subjected to a force in a direction pointing away from the main ejection surface (6)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Drive device (1) for a movable furniture part (2), having a lockable ejection device (3), wherein the ejection device (3) has a force-actuated ejection lever (4) for ejecting the movable furniture part (2) along an ejection section (A) from a closed position (SS) into an open position (OS), wherein, in the closed position (SS), the ejection lever (4) bears against a locking element (5) in a locking position (V) and wherein, by moving the movable furniture part (2) into a pressed-over position (ÜS) situated behind the closed position (SS) in the closing direction (SR), the ejection device (3) can be unlocked in that the locking element (5) opens up a first path (W1) in the ejection section (A) for the ejection lever (4), wherein, by pulling on the movable furniture part (2), the ejection device (3) can be brought from the closed position (SS) into a pull-unlocking position (ZS) situated in front of the closed position (SS) in the opening direction (OR), with the result that the ejection lever (4) passes into the ejection section (A) over a second path (W2) which is at a spacing from the first path (W1).