Furniture Drive Latch Coupling for Quiet Ejection and Pull-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for movable furniture parts require complex and separate coupling processes for ejection and retraction, leading to increased complexity and noise during locking and unlocking operations.
Innovation Solution
A drive device where the latching element couples the pull-in carriage to the ejection carriage in a first movement section and decouples it in a second movement section, using the same latching element to lock the retraction carriage on the housing, thereby simplifying the mechanism and reducing noise by merging movement sections and using accumulators to apply forces in the opening and closing directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking and unlocking devices are used for ejection and retraction carriages, then reliable locking is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed to perform multiple functions: it locks the ejection carriage to the housing in the closed position, locks the retraction carriage to the ejection carriage during retraction, and unlocks both carriages during ejection. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require separate locking and unlocking devices, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate locking and unlocking devices are used for ejection and retraction carriages, then reliable locking is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the latching element as a universal component that handles both ejection and retraction locking/unlocking operations, the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled is reduced. This multi-functional design simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable locking functionality across different operational phases.
3Reliability
If simultaneous locking and unlocking operations are performed, then complete locking is achieved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed to perform preliminary actions in a specific sequence: first unlocking the retraction carriage from the ejection carriage before locking the ejection carriage to the housing. This sequential operation, rather than simultaneous locking and unlocking, reduces the generation of snapping and locking noises while ensuring complete and reliable locking of both carriages in their respective positions.
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 results in a simpler and quieter drive device for movable furniture parts by eliminating the need for separate locking and unlocking devices, reducing noise, and ensuring smooth transitions between movement sections.
Implementation Method 1
an ejection force accumulator which is attached to the housing on the one hand and to the ejection carriage on the other hand and applies force to the ejection carriage in the opening direction
Implementation Method 2
the pull-in force accumulator is thereby discharged, whereby it is fastened on the one hand to the ejection carriage and on the other hand to the pull-in carriage and applies force to the pull-in carriage in the closing direction
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device (1) for a movable furniture part (2), with a housing (4), an ejecting slide (3) which is mounted movably in or on the housing (4) and is intended for ejecting the movable furniture part (2) from a closed position (SS) in the opening direction (OR), a draw?in slide (15) which is movable relative to the housing (4) and is intended for drawing the movable furniture part (2) from an open position (OS) into the closed position (SS), and a latching element (6) which is mounted movably on the ejecting slide (3) and via which the ejecting slide (3) is locked to the housing (4) at least in the closed position (SS), wherein the draw?in slide (15) is coupleable to the ejecting slide (3) via the latching element (6).