Furniture Fitting with Straight-Insertion Coupling and Ejection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture fittings face issues with inadvertent unlocking and limited mounting flexibility due to inclined insertion requirements, which can lead to jamming and restricted maximum wall thickness of pivoting elements.
Innovation Solution
A fitting system with a movably-supported release element and straight insertion mechanism, allowing for stable connection and easy demounting of pivoting elements, featuring a housing with perpendicular insertion and a locking device for controlled ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling member is inclinedly inserted into a pocket-shaped mounting member, then the locking portion can be guidable along an inclined surface to load a force storage member, but this inclined insertion requirement leads to jamming and restricts the maximum wall thickness of pivoting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional inclined insertion mechanism by providing a straight insertion path for the coupling member into the mounting member. The locking portion is guided along a straight surface instead of an inclined one, eliminating the jamming issue while maintaining reliable locking through the force storage member engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the insertion and locking functions into distinct stages: first, the coupling member is straightly inserted into the mounting member; second, the locking portion engages with the locking element to activate the force storage member. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function, resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and mounting flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If a release element is pushed-in to unlock the coupling member, then the locking portion can be movable against a force of the force storage member, but this can lead to inadvertent unlocking by mere leaning or playing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic two-stage release mechanism where the release element must perform a specific movement sequence: first pressing the control element to discharge the force storage member, then further pressing to move the locking portion parallel to the front face for complete release. This dynamic sequence prevents inadvertent unlocking while maintaining ease of intentional operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires a preliminary action (pressing the control element) to discharge the force storage member before the actual unlocking movement can occur. This preliminary action serves as a deliberate indicator that the user intends to unlock, preventing accidental release while maintaining simple operation for intentional unlocking.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling member is received within the housing of the mounting member, then the connection is stable, but the demounting process becomes complex without an ejection mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service ejection mechanism where the release element, when actuated, automatically triggers the ejection of the coupling member from the mounting member through the controlled movement of the locking portion. The system serves itself by using the same release mechanism for both locking and unlocking operations, eliminating the need for separate complex demounting tools or procedures.
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
Facilitates secure and flexible mounting of pivoting elements, reducing jamming risks and enabling mounting regardless of material thickness, while ensuring controlled unlocking through a deliberate actuation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element 16 is provided, and that the at least one locking lever 13a and the at least one ejection lever 14a are pre-stressed by the at least one spring element 16
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting includes a first fitting portion to be fixed to a panel of a carrier, and a second fitting portion to be fixed to a pivoting element and pivotally connected to the first fitting portion. The first fitting portion includes a mounting member having a fastening device for fixing the mounting member to the panel of the carrier, and the first fitting portion includes a coupling member hingedly connected to the second fitting portion. The coupling member is releasably connected to the mounting member, and the mounting member of the first fitting portion includes a housing. The coupling member, in a connected condition with the mounting member, is received within the housing. A locking device can releasably lock the coupling member to the mounting member, and includes an ejection device for ejecting the coupling member out of the housing during unlocking.