Furniture Actuation Sensor with Shared Base for Zero-Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation sensors for furniture parts are complex and error-prone due to the need to detect movements independently of the starting position, requiring intricate adjustments of the feeler element and alignment elements.
Innovation Solution
A simplified actuation sensor design where the alignment element and sensing element share a common sensor base structure, allowing for easy adjustment of the starting position of the furniture part without affecting the feeler element's zero position, using a mechanically defined zero position and simple electrical means to detect movements, and incorporating a deflection sensor for enhanced responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the feeler element and alignment element are adjusted independently, then the starting position can be defined, but the structure becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment element and feeler element into a common sensor unit with a shared base structure. This merging eliminates the need for independent adjustments of both elements, as they are now mechanically linked and adjusted together as a single assembly, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The common sensor base structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical foundation for both the alignment element and feeler element, establishes the reference plane for starting position definition, and enables unified adjustment of both elements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate adjustment mechanisms needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If the alignment element position is changed to adjust starting position, then the furniture part alignment is improved, but the feeler element deflects from its zero position
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the alignment element and feeler element into a common sensor unit, movements of the alignment element are mechanically coupled to the feeler element. This ensures that when the starting position is adjusted via the alignment element, the feeler element moves correspondingly to maintain its zero position relative to the new alignment, eliminating the defect where zero position drift occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The common sensor unit automatically compensates for alignment adjustments. When the alignment element is repositioned to change the starting position, the mechanical linkage within the common sensor unit self-adjusts the feeler element's position accordingly, maintaining its functional zero position without requiring separate recalibration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Operating sensor comprises an aligning element (15) and a touch-operated element (19) supported on a common sensor base structure (1) which can be fixed to the body of an item of furniture. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) Telescopic fitting with the operating sensor; and (2) Piece of furniture with the fitting. Preferred Features: The touch-operated element has a mechanically fixed defined neutral position at the height of the base position of the aligning element. The sensor releases a signal when the aligning element leaves the neutral position.