Furniture Ejection Locking Mechanism for Pull-Release Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for movable furniture parts require separate force to unlock when pulled, as the latching element must overcome a spring force, and the movement detection is not accurately transmitted to the locking element, leading to inefficiencies in operation.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a movable, pivotable coupling element that connects the detection device to a transmission device, allowing precise position detection and transmission, where the coupling element can be driven by the detection device in both opening and closing directions, and a transmission carriage that forms part of the link track, enabling efficient unlocking and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the latching element directly transmits the pulling movement to unlock the ejection element, then the structure is simple, but the latching element must overcome spring force requiring separate force application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission function into two separate components: the latching element (which detects position) and the locking element (which transmits movement to unlock). This segmentation allows the latching element to detect position without bearing the full unlocking force, while the locking element separately handles the force transmission, eliminating the need to overcome spring force directly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transmission mechanism between the latching element and the locking element. This intermediary transmission device translates the small detection movement of the latching element into the unlocking movement of the locking element, allowing indirect force transmission that avoids direct confrontation with the spring force
2Device complexity
If the latching element transmits position information directly to the locking element, then the transmission path is short, but the position detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical transmission system with a combined detection and transmission system. The detection device (which can be optical, magnetic, or capacitive) substitutes for direct mechanical coupling, providing accurate position detection without the mechanical errors of direct transmission, while the transmission device converts this detected position into appropriate unlocking signals
3Measurement precision
If a separate transmission device is added to accurately transmit position, then the position transmission accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection device and transmission device into an integrated assembly where the latching element, detection device, and locking element work together as a unified system. The detection device and transmission device share common mounting structures and coordination mechanisms, reducing overall complexity despite the addition of functional components
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the transmission path for position information and as part of the unlocking mechanism itself. The locking element not only transmits position information but also directly participates in the unlocking action, eliminating the need for completely separate transmission and actuation systems
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
Ensures accurate detection and transmission of the furniture part's position to the locking element, allowing for efficient unlocking and locking operations without the need for separate force application, improving the overall functionality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission device has a movable, preferably pivotable, coupling element, wherein when the detection device moves from the closed position in the opening direction, the transmission device is connected via the coupling element to a coupling element of the detection device
Implementation Method 2
an ejection element that acts on the movable furniture part in the opening direction
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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AI summary
The invention concerns a drive device (1) for a movable piece of furniture (2), with an ejection element (3), which acts upon the movable piece of furniture (2) in the opening direction (OR), a housing (4), a locking element (5) for the ejection element (3), which locking element (5) is disposed in or on the housing (4) and is movable relative thereto, a detent element (6), which is connected to the ejection element (3) and, in the closed position (SS), abuts the locking element (5), wherein, at least in the locking position (SS) of the movable piece of furniture (2), the locking element (5) can block the path of the detent element (6) in the opening direction (OR), it being possible for the ejection element (3) to be released both when the movable piece of furniture (2) is subjected to increased pressure from a closed position (SS) in the closure direction (SR) and when the movable piece of furniture (2) is pulled from the closure position (SR) in the opening direction (OR), and a detection system (7) for detecting the position of the movable piece of furniture (2), a transmission device (8), which is separate from the detent element (6), for transmitting the position of the movable piece of furniture (2) detected by the detection system (7) to the locking element (4) being provided, it being possible for the locking element (5) to be moved by the transmission device (8) when the movable piece of furniture (2) is pulled from the closure position (SS) in the opening direction (OR).