Furniture Flap Actuator Locking for Safe Spring-Biased Installation

Solution Overview

Problem

Actuating devices for moving furniture parts lack controlled movement mechanisms, particularly posing a risk of injury when the furniture flap is not yet fitted, as the actuating member can rapidly move upward due to spring forces, and existing securing means do not adequately prevent uncontrolled movement.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a key-operable mechanism that arrests the actuating member in its completely open position, ensuring the flap can be securely fitted without risk, and only allows movement when the key is present, using a contact-less RFID system or electronic data set for secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a spring device or gas compression storage means is used to compensate for the weight of the flap and provide torque to the actuating member, then the actuating member can be biased in the opening direction, but the actuating member may move rapidly upwardly and injure fitting personnel when the flap is not yet fitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiasing forceVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is activated in advance before the flap is fitted to the actuating member. The lock engages with the actuating member to prevent rapid upward movement, and remains engaged until the flap is properly installed, at which point the key can be removed and the lock disengaged, allowing controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A key-operated locking device serves as an intermediary between the spring device and the actuating member. The locking device includes a lock that can engage with the actuating member and a key that controls the locking mechanism, providing an intermediate control layer that prevents uncontrolled movement while allowing authorized operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the actuating member is allowed to move freely between closed and open positions, then operation is convenient, but unauthorized or uncontrolled movement cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidcontrolled access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A key-operated locking device serves as an intermediary between the spring device and the actuating member. The locking device includes a lock that can engage with the actuating member and a key that controls the locking mechanism, providing an intermediate control layer that prevents uncontrolled movement while allowing authorized operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is activated in advance before the flap is fitted to the actuating member. The lock engages with the actuating member to prevent rapid upward movement, and remains engaged until the flap is properly installed, at which point the key can be removed and the lock disengaged, allowing controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a locking device with key is integrated into the actuating device, then controlled access and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled accessVSAvoidlocking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed to serve multiple functions: it locks the actuating member in place during installation, provides controlled access through key operation, and can be integrated with the existing spring device and actuating member structure. The key mechanism itself serves as both the control interface and the releasing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is integrated with the existing actuating device components. The lock engages with the actuating member directly, and the key mechanism is incorporated into the housing structure, merging the locking function with the existing device rather than adding a completely separate system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9032768B2Actuator for movable furniture parts

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 JULIUS BLUM GMBH

AI summary

A device includes an actuating device, and the actuating device includes: a locking device having a lock; an actuating member which pivots about an axis of rotation to move a movable furniture part; and a spring device which biases the actuating member to pivot about the axis of rotation in an opening direction. The lock is lockable by a key for preventing the actuating member from pivoting about the axis of rotation, and the lock is unlockable by the key for enabling the actuating member from pivoting about the axis of rotation.