Furniture Driving Mechanism With Push-Open and Self-Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current furniture systems lack a mechanism that combines both push-open and self-closing functions efficiently, requiring separate products for each functionality, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A furniture system with a driving mechanism comprising a first furniture part, a second movable furniture part, a first driving device, a locking device, a swing member, a second driving device, and a clutch device, where the first driving device accumulates a driving force to open the second part and the second driving device accumulates a second driving force to close it, with the clutch device ensuring smooth operation between the two states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a furniture system uses separate products for push-open and self-closing functions, then each function can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines push-open and self-closing functions into a single integrated driving mechanism. The first elastic member provides push-open force while the second elastic member provides self-closing force, both acting on the same movable furniture part through a unified mechanical structure with shared components like the swing member and clutch device.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mechanism is designed as a multi-functional device where a single assembly performs both push-open and self-closing operations. The clutch device universally controls both elastic members, and the swing member serves as a common actuation point for both functions, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If a furniture system integrates both push-open and self-closing functions in one mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation may be compromised due to intricate mechanism coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism operates automatically without user intervention. When the movable furniture part is pushed, the swing member swings and automatically engages the clutch device, which then sequentially releases the first and second elastic members to provide push-open and self-closing actions. The system serves itself by converting the initial push force into coordinated dual-function operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch device dynamically transitions between engaged and disengaged states based on the position and motion of the swing member. This dynamic control allows the mechanism to automatically switch between storing elastic force and releasing it, coordinating both push-open and self-closing functions through motion-dependent engagement and disengagement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the clutch device remains continuously engaged, then the furniture part remains stable in position, but the transition between open and closed states becomes difficult to initiate
Solution Approach 1:
The swing member is positioned and pre-loaded against the clutch device during normal operation, maintaining the clutch in an engaged state that holds both elastic members loaded. This preliminary positioning ensures stability until a deliberate push action occurs, at which point the pre-positioned swing member can quickly disengage the clutch to initiate state transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaged clutch device creates a preliminary restraining force that prevents unintended movement while maintaining readiness for controlled transition. The swing member is pre-positioned to counteract the engaged state, so that when pushed, it can immediately overcome the engagement and trigger the release sequence, converting stability into controlled motion.
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 seamless transition between open and closed positions of the second furniture part relative to the first part, providing both push-open and self-closing functions without the need for separate products, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic member of the first driving device is configured to accumulate a first driving force in response to the swing member abutting against the locking part of the locking device
Implementation Method 2
the second elastic member accumulates a second driving force
Data Source
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AI summary
A driving mechanism (76) for furniture is disclosed. The furniture includes a first furniture part (52) and a second furniture part (54). The driving mechanism (76) includes a first driving device (100) including a first base (102), a locking device (300) connected to the first base (102), a swing member (78) movably connected to the second furniture part (54), a second driving device (200) mounted to the second furniture part (54) and including an elastic member (204), and a clutch device (400) mounted to the first base (102). Wherein when the second furniture part (54) is moved from an open position toward a retrieve position, the clutch device (400) is switched from an engaging status to a free status by the second driving device (200), and the elastic member (204) provides drives the second furniture part (54) to be retrieved relative to the first furniture part (52).