Furniture Fitting Spring Preload Adjustment With Force-Limiting Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture fittings lack a simple and reliable mechanism to adjust the preload of spring elements while preventing the transmission of impermissibly high operating forces, especially when actuated by users or unsuitable tools.
Innovation Solution
A coupling body that forms a releasable form-fitting and/or frictional connection with the spring bearing during adjustment, allowing safe transmission of permissible forces and preventing excessive forces through a circumferential release mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism is designed to allow free rotation of the preloading element, then the preload can be adjusted, but impermissibly large forces can be exerted on the adjusting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling element is introduced as an intermediary between the preloading element and the spring bearing. This coupling element includes a coupling body with a releasable connection to the spring bearing, allowing force transmission during normal operation but automatically disengaging when excessive forces are applied, thus protecting the adjusting mechanism while maintaining adjustability
2Reliability
If a releasable connection is implemented to prevent excessive forces, then the adjusting mechanism is protected, but the transmission of permissible operating forces may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the coupling body and the spring bearing is designed to be dynamically releasable rather than statically fixed. The releasable connection maintains firm engagement during normal operation to transmit permissible forces reliably, but automatically disengages when force limits are exceeded, thus balancing protection with effective force transmission
3Reliability
If the coupling element is designed with a releasable connection, then excessive forces are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves as a compact intermediary component that integrates the releasable connection mechanism within a relatively simple structure. Rather than adding complex control systems or multiple separate components, the coupling body with its releasable connection to the spring bearing provides force protection through a straightforward mechanical design
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
The solution ensures safe and reliable adjustment of spring element preload by preventing excessive forces and providing a secure, space-saving design with acoustic and haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a releasable form-fitting and/or frictional connection is formed between the coupling body and the spring bearing
Implementation Method 2
a force may be transmitted from the preloading element to the spring bearing via the coupling element
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture fitting having an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the preload of a spring element, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a spring bearing and a preloading element, by means of which the spring bearing can be adjusted, wherein the adjustment of the spring bearing increases and/or decreases the preloading of the spring element. The transmission of impermissibly high operating forces is reliably avoided by providing a coupling body which is adjustable relative to the preloading element and which, during the adjustment of the spring bearing, at least partially and/or temporarily bears against the latter, in such a way that a releasable form-fitting and/or frictional connection is formed between the coupling body and the spring bearing, and/or in that a releasable form-fitting and/or frictional connection is formed between the coupling body and the preloading element.