Pivoting Furniture Fitting With Adjustable Lever Hinge Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture fittings require increased manual force to open heavier furniture parts due to stronger spring forces needed to counteract weight, leading to user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with an adjustment device to alter the position of the hinge axis of the transmission lever relative to the base body, allowing for the use of stronger springs without increasing the retraction force, and optionally including separate or coupled adjustment elements for force and hinge axis positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a stronger spring device is used to counteract heavier furniture parts, then the weight compensation capability is improved, but the manual opening force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge axis position is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the kinematic parameters of the transmission mechanism to be dynamically adapted. By moving the hinge axis to different positions on the base body, the mechanical advantage and force transmission characteristics change, enabling the system to accommodate stronger springs without proportionally increasing the manual opening force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the transmission mechanism by allowing the hinge axis position to be adjusted. This parameter change modifies the leverage ratios and force distribution in the mechanism, decoupling the relationship between spring force strength and manual opening force required.
2Force
If the spring force is increased to support heavier furniture parts, then the weight compensation is improved, but the retraction force in closed position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable hinge axis position enables dynamic optimization of the transmission mechanism's kinematic properties. By repositioning the hinge axis, the mechanism can be tuned to provide appropriate force characteristics throughout the range of motion, reducing excessive retraction forces in the closed position while maintaining adequate weight compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjusting the hinge axis position changes the geometric parameters of the transmission mechanism, which modifies the force transmission characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the system to reduce harmful retraction forces while preserving the necessary spring force for supporting heavier furniture parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stronger spring device is used, then the capability to support heavier furniture parts is improved, but the force effort required by the operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable hinge axis position creates a dynamically adaptable transmission mechanism that can be optimized for different weight ranges. By repositioning the hinge axis, the mechanical advantage is adjusted to match the actual load, ensuring that the force effort remains acceptable even when using stronger spring devices for heavier furniture parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses parameter changes in the transmission mechanism geometry (hinge axis position) to decouple the relationship between spring force strength and operator force effort. This allows the system to cover a broader weight range while maintaining acceptable ease of operation across different loading conditions.
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
Enables the use of stronger springs to accommodate various weights while maintaining a consistent opening force, enhancing user comfort and preventing collisions with improved kinematic control.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring device for applying a force to the at least one actuating arm
Implementation Method 2
at least one transmission mechanism for transmitting a force of the at least one spring device to the at least one actuating arm, the transmission mechanism including at least one transmission lever pivotable about a hinge axis
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for movably supporting a pivoting element, in particular a movable furniture part, relative to a stationary structure, in particular a furniture carcass, includes a base body to be fixed to the stationary structure, an actuating arm to be connected to the pivoting element, and a spring device for applying a force to the actuating arm. The spring device is supported on the base body via a bearing device, and a transmission mechanism can transmit a force of the spring device to the actuating arm. The transmission mechanism includes a transmission lever pivotable about a hinge axis, and a force adjustment device for adjusting a force of the spring device to the actuating arm. The adjustment device, preferably separate from the force adjustment device, can adjust a position of the hinge axis of the transmission lever relative to the base body.