Furniture Switch Element Design for Indirect and Direct Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture designs require additional switching elements and increased structural complexity to support the drive device when returning a movable furniture part to its closed position, leading to higher costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single switching element is used to trigger the drive device regardless of the furniture part's position, with a position measuring device and light source to indicate the actuation point, allowing the drive device to be triggered by movement detection and enabling easy closure from open positions without additional structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional switching elements are provided for triggering the drive device in open positions, then the drive device functionality is available for both opening and closing operations, but the structural complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single switching element is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both the closed position (for closing operations) and the open position (for opening operations) of the furniture part. By positioning the switching element such that it can be actuated from both the closed and open positions, the patent eliminates the need for separate switching elements while maintaining full drive device functionality throughout the entire movement range.
2Device complexity
If a single switching element is used to trigger the drive device in all positions, then the structural complexity and costs are reduced, but the switching element must be accessible from all positions which may conflict with the closed position design
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is nested within the furniture body structure, positioned in a location that allows it to be covered by the furniture part in the closed position while still being accessible for actuation. The design integrates the switching element into the existing structural framework, allowing it to serve dual purposes: maintaining a compact closed position appearance and enabling operation from both closed and open positions.
3Shape
If the switching element is covered by the furniture part in closed position, then the appearance is maintained, but the user cannot directly actuate the switching element for closing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The furniture part itself serves as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the user's closing action to the covered switching element. When the user moves the furniture part toward the closed position, the furniture part physically actuates the switching element even though the switching element remains covered and not directly accessible. This allows the appearance to be maintained while still enabling indirect actuation of the switching element.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a piece of furniture (1) comprising a furniture body (2), a furniture part (3) that is mounted so as to be mobile relative to the furniture body (2) and a drive device (5) for moving the furniture part, which drive device can be triggered via a switch element (4) and comprises at least one motor. The switch element (4) is covered by the furniture part (3) in or on the furniture body (2) when the furniture part (3) is closed and an indirect actuation of the switch element (4) via a force exerted by a user and impacting the mobile furniture part (3) triggers the drive unit. The switch element (4) triggering the drive device (5) is accessible for the user and can be directly actuated when the furniture part (3) is moved out of the closed position.