Discharge device for a mobile furniture item
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ejection devices for movable furniture parts suffer from imprecise and unreliable coupling and decoupling due to force-dependent magnetic coupling and wear in form-fitting variants, leading to potential early decoupling during jerky movements.
Innovation Solution
A control device that switches the coupling device from a coupling to a decoupling position based on a predetermined opening path, ensuring precise and secure coupling and decoupling through a distance-controlled mechanism, with a mechanical control device featuring a coupling and decoupling element guided in a pathway to maintain a fixed hold until the predetermined path is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If friction-based magnetic coupling is used, then coupling is simple to implement, but decoupling point cannot be precisely determined and decoupling may occur prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based magnetic coupling with a positive locking mechanical coupling system. The coupling element features a locking protrusion that engages with a corresponding recess in the coupling counterpart, creating a form-fit connection. This mechanical substitution eliminates the imprecision of magnetic coupling while maintaining ease of implementation through a straightforward engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the coupling element and the movable furniture part. This control device includes a control element that responds to the opening path and triggers decoupling at a precisely determined point. The intermediary control mechanism ensures that decoupling occurs only when the predetermined opening path is reached, preventing premature decoupling while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If positive locking coupling is used, then coupling security is improved, but wear on adjacent parts occurs due to coupling and decoupling movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system where the control device transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state based on the opening path. The control element can be shifted between positions to engage or disengage the positive locking connection. This dynamic approach allows the coupling to remain secure during normal operation while enabling controlled decoupling without excessive wear, as the locking mechanism only engages and disengages when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control device that is pre-configured with a predetermined opening path threshold. Before decoupling occurs, the control device monitors the opening path and prepares for decoupling in advance. This preliminary action ensures that decoupling only happens when the exact predetermined path is reached, preventing premature decoupling and reducing unnecessary wear from repeated coupling and decoupling cycles.
3Device complexity
If force-dependent coupling is used, then coupling mechanism is simple, but decoupling occurs at incorrect points during jerky movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces force-dependent magnetic coupling with a displacement-controlled mechanical coupling system. The control device monitors the opening path (displacement) rather than relying on forces. The control element is positioned to trigger decoupling only when the predetermined displacement threshold is reached, ensuring accurate decoupling position regardless of jerky movements or force variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control device continuously monitors the opening path of the movable furniture part. The control element responds to this feedback by shifting positions based on whether the predetermined opening path has been reached. This feedback loop ensures that decoupling occurs at the correct position even during jerky movements, as the system continuously adjusts based on actual displacement rather than force signals.
Data Source
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AI summary
Ejection device (1) for ejecting a movable furniture part (2) from a closed position (SS) along an opening path (O) into an open position (OS), comprising a carrier (3) and a coupling device (26) for coupling the ejection device (1) to the movable furniture part (2), wherein the coupling device (26) has a coupling piece (25) movable relative to the carrier (3) and a coupling counterpart (24) arranged on the movable furniture part (2) or on a furniture body (22), wherein the coupling device (26) has a coupling position (K) and a decoupling position (EK) and the ejection device (1) can be coupled to the movable furniture part (2) via the coupling device (26) in the coupling position (K), comprising a control device by which the coupling device (26) can be switched depending on the opening path (O), wherein at a predetermined opening path (VO) the The coupling device (26) moves from the coupling position (K) to the decoupling position (EK).