Furniture Pull-Out Frame Fitting with Load-Adaptive Damping Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture fittings with pull-out frames lack the ability to adapt to varying load conditions, leading to potential damage from inappropriate braking forces during everyday use.

Innovation Solution

A control device that communicates with a load status determination device via radio, infrared, ultrasound, or electric cables to adjust the damping device's braking force based on the weight load, ensuring the fitting automatically adjusts to the loading status for enhanced comfort and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a damping device with fixed damping properties is used, then the braking force is sufficient for nominal load, but the braking force becomes inappropriate when load varies, potentially causing damage or reduced comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force appropriatenessVSAvoidload condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The damping device transitions from a static, fixed-damping design to a dynamic, adjustable-damping system. The control device modifies the damping properties in real-time based on load condition values, allowing the braking force to adapt to varying weights on the pull-out frame. This resolves the contradiction by making the damping characteristics variable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the damping parameter (braking force) based on the load condition value. When the load increases, the control device adjusts the damping properties to provide appropriate braking force. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable braking for nominal loads and adapting to varying actual loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the braking force is increased to handle heavy loads, then damage is prevented, but comfort is reduced for lighter loads due to excessive braking force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage preventionVSAvoidoperational comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adjusts the damping parameter based on the detected load condition. For heavy loads, the braking force is increased to prevent damage; for light loads, the braking force is reduced to maintain comfort. This resolves the contradiction by making the braking force proportional to the actual load rather than fixed at a high value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the load condition value (detected by sensors such as acceleration sensors, weight sensors, or torque sensors) to continuously adjust the braking force. This closed-loop control ensures that the braking force matches the actual load, preventing damage while maintaining comfort across different loading conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a load detection device and control device are added, then individualized braking force adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividualized adaptation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping device performs self-adjustment based on automatic detection of load conditions. The control device receives input from load sensors and autonomously modifies the damping properties without requiring manual intervention. This reduces the perceived complexity for the user while achieving individualized adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic or sensor-based detection and control systems. Load conditions are detected electronically (via acceleration sensors, weight sensors, or torque sensors), and the damping force is adjusted through controlled fluid pressure or magnetic fields, simplifying the overall system architecture despite adding intelligence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for individualized adaptation of the braking force to match the weight load, preventing damage by increasing braking force as the weight increases, thus enhancing comfort and functional reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a piston that is to be guided in a displacement space, the displacement of the piston in the displacement space generating damping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid displacement damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 2

which in particular has an acceleration sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

a weight detection device which interacts with a control device via which the braking force can be adjusted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3248503B1Bracket for furniture or similar items
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 KESSEBOHMER HLDG KG
  • EP3248503B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3248503B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3248503B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a fitting for furniture 100 or the like, pieces of furniture having a body 101, in particular for kitchen cabinets, with a pull-out frame 103 that can be supported on a body 101, can be moved in translation and/or pivoted and has at least one receptacle for supporting at least one object, wherein the movement of the pull-out frame 103 before reaching an end position lying in the body 101 (open or closed end position) can be braked by a damping device. In order to increase the ease of use, it is provided that a device for determining a load condition value of the pull-out frame is provided and that the braking behavior of the damping device can be changed automatically as a function of the load condition value of the pull-out frame