Retraction device and method for opening and closing a movable furniture part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retraction devices for movable furniture parts often result in unpleasant handling due to sudden changes in spring force during opening and closing, with increased force required for opening and sudden force reduction when uncoupled from springs.
Innovation Solution
A retraction device with a driver that moves along a guide path, coupled to an activator for closing and an opening driver via a transmission gear, allowing for a longer distance traveled by the opening driver, reducing the force needed for opening and providing high retraction forces over a short distance during closing, using a gear with a changing transmission ratio and optional cable pull mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transmission gear with changing transmission ratio is used, then the force required for opening is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission gear employs a changing transmission ratio that varies during the opening process. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to provide higher force when needed (at the beginning of opening) and reduce force as the opening progresses, optimizing the opening operation while managing the complexity through a well-defined mechanical relationship.
2Force
If the opening driver travels a longer distance, then the force required for opening is reduced, but the space required for the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second driver and transmission gear are integrated into the existing structure of the first driver assembly. The transmission gear is positioned within the space already occupied by the driver mechanisms, allowing the second driver to travel a longer effective distance for force reduction without proportionally increasing the overall space requirements of the retraction device.
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
This design simplifies handling by reducing the force required for opening and minimizing the sensation of the driver's placement in the parked position, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly opening and closing process with optimized force sequences.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device (12), in particular a spring element, for pretensioning the driver (11) into the retracted position
Implementation Method 2
The opening driver (23) is coupled to the driver (11) via a transmission gear (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A retraction device for movable furniture parts has a driver movable along a first guide path, which is movable between a retracted position and a parked position and is directly or indirectly pretensioned into the retracted position by an energy storage device. The driver can be coupled to an activator in order to move the movable furniture part into a closed position. A method uses the driver for opening and closing the movable furniture part and tensioning and releasing a retraction device.