Furniture Ejector Coupling Arrangement for Charging Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture devices for moving movable parts, such as drawers or cabinet doors, face inefficiencies in the charging process of power storage devices, leading to potential force reductions and noise during operation.

Innovation Solution

A coupling arrangement between the ejector and energy storage device is introduced, utilizing a lever mechanism to amplify charging force and ensure direct power transmission during the closing movement of the movable furniture part, with a switching element controlling the coupling based on the ejector's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a coupling arrangement is introduced between the ejector and energy storage device, then force transmission during charging is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmissionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the ejector and energy storage device. This coupling arrangement includes a lever mechanism that amplifies force during the charging process, transmitting the ejector's movement force to charge the energy storage device more effectively. The coupling arrangement serves as a mediator that resolves the force transmission issue while managing the added complexity through a structured mechanical interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If the ejector is in direct contact with the energy storage device, then force transmission efficiency is improved, but noise increases due to idle movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmission efficiencyVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage device is maintained in a preloaded state through the coupling arrangement, which prepares the system in advance for the next operational cycle. This preliminary action ensures that the energy storage device is already charged and ready, eliminating idle movements and associated noises during operation. The preloaded state is achieved through the lever mechanism that continuously maintains optimal force transmission readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the energy storage device is preloaded, then operation smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation smoothnessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling arrangement with the lever mechanism enables the energy storage device to automatically maintain its preloaded state through the mechanical interaction with the ejector. The system serves itself by using the ejector's own movement to charge the energy storage device, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism achieves operation smoothness while managing complexity through automatic mechanical feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enhances the charging efficiency of the movable furniture devices by ensuring direct power transfer without force reduction, reducing noise, and maintaining a seamless operation.

Implementation Method 1

the devices having an energy storage device. Under the action of the energy storage, it is possible to eject the movable furniture part in the opening direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Mechanical Accumulator

Implementation Method 2

a force amplification of a charging force acting on the ejector on the energy accumulator can be achieved via the coupling arrangement, for example by amplification via a lever arrangement effective in the coupling arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3133232B1Device for moving a movable furniture part and piece of furniture with a device for moving a movable furniture part
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 GRASS GMBH
  • EP3133232B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3133232B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3133232B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device (1) for moving a movable furniture part in an opening direction relative to the furniture body is proposed, wherein the movable furniture part can be moved in the opening direction and in a closing direction via guide means, wherein the device (1) has a power storage device (3) such that, with the device (1) mounted on the furniture, the movable furniture part can be moved into an opening position by means of an ejector (5) under the action of the power storage device (3) during an opening process. According to the invention, a coupling arrangement (4) is provided which is effective between the ejector (5) and the power storage device (3) during the charging process of the power storage device (3), and the ejector (5) is designed such that it couples with the coupling arrangement (4) via a switching element (24) in the region of the end of its travel during the opening process.