Device and furniture with a furniture part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for moving furniture parts, such as drawers or doors, face issues with synchronization and energy storage, particularly due to component tolerances, material changes, and excessive friction, which can prevent the synchronization element from returning to its starting position, leading to incomplete charging and ejection failures.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a reversible synchronization element with a restoring force, such as a tension spring, and stop means to ensure the synchronization element is forcibly returned to its starting position during the closing movement, combined with a touch latch function for user-friendly operation, allowing for synchronized energy storage charging and ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a synchronization element is used to coordinate multiple ejection devices, then synchronized ejection can be achieved, but the synchronization element may fail to return to its starting position due to friction and tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization element returnability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A restoring force (spring or tensile element) is applied to the synchronization element in advance to counteract friction and ensure it returns to the starting position after ejection. This preliminary counteracting force prevents the synchronization element from sticking in intermediate positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization element is pre-positioned in the starting position before ejection occurs. The restoring force is pre-loaded to ensure that after the ejection stroke completes, the synchronization element automatically returns to its initial position without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Force

If the energy storage device is locked in the charged state, then ejection force is available when needed, but the device requires triggering to activate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection force availabilityVSAvoidtriggering mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage device automatically locks itself in the charged state after ejection without requiring external intervention. The triggering mechanism is simplified to only require a simple trigger input, after which the system self-manages the locking and unlocking cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If stop means are added to force the synchronization element back to starting position, then reliable synchronization is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization element positioningVSAvoidstop means structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A stop element acts as an intermediary between the synchronization element and the housing. This simple mechanical stop provides the necessary positioning function without requiring complex control systems or multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a tension spring or tensile force element is used to restore the synchronization element, then friction issues are overcome, but the device requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization element returnabilityVSAvoidrestoring force mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex mechanical return mechanism is replaced with a simple elastic restoring force provided by a tension spring or tensile force element. This elastic element automatically provides the necessary force to return the synchronization element to its starting position without requiring additional actuators or complex linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 ensures reliable synchronization and energy storage charging, enabling effective ejection of furniture parts even under loaded conditions, overcoming friction and tolerance-related issues, and providing a user-friendly operation without external handles.

Implementation Method 1

a force storage device that assists the movable furniture part during an opening and/or closing movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a restoring force, such as a tension spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4133973B1Device and furniture with a furniture part
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 GRASS GMBH
  • EP4133973B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4133973B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4133973B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A device for moving a furniture part is proposed, comprising a rechargeable and lockable energy storage device and an ejector which can be driven in the opening direction by the action of the discharging energy storage device, so that after unlocking the charged energy storage device, the furniture part can be moved in the opening direction with the device, wherein the ejector is coupled to the movement of the furniture part, wherein the energy storage device can be recharged by moving the ejector back in the closing direction, and wherein a synchronization element (18) of the device is provided which can be coupled to a synchronization element (18) of another corresponding device provided on the furniture for moving the furniture part in the opening direction.According to the invention, the synchronization element (18) is reversibly adjustable in the opening direction and in the closing direction, wherein, after unlocking the charged energy storage device, a movement of the synchronization element (18) and a synchronization element can be moved for synchronization, wherein, for a return of the synchronization element (18) to the starting position, a stop means (37) for a movement coupling between the ejector and the synchronization element (18) can be provided, so that, coupled with the movement of the ejector, when the energy storage device is recharged, the synchronization element (18) is taken into the starting position.