Furniture Switch Element with Dual Accumulators for Precise Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The neutral position of switching elements in furniture is poorly defined, leading to reduced ease of use, as the switching point can lie anywhere on the energy storage characteristic curve, making it difficult for users to trigger the drive device at a precise point.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two energy accumulators with different characteristic curves allows for a defined switching point to be specified by changing the number of forces acting on the actuating element at predetermined positions, ensuring a precise triggering mechanism via an electric motor connected to a control or regulating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single energy accumulator is used with the actuating element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the switching point precision deteriorates as the neutral position can lie anywhere on the characteristic curve
Solution Approach 1:
The single energy accumulator is segmented into multiple energy accumulators (at least two), each with different characteristic curves. This segmentation allows the system to define specific switching points by changing the number of forces acting on the actuating element at predetermined positions, thereby improving switching point precision while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the energy storage system by using multiple energy accumulators with different characteristic curves instead of a single accumulator. This parameter change enables precise definition of switching points through the interaction of multiple force characteristics, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the switching point is allowed to vary anywhere on the characteristic curve, then the device adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users cannot trigger at a precise defined point
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous characteristic curve is segmented into multiple defined switching points by introducing at least two energy accumulators with different characteristic curves. This segmentation provides predetermined switching positions that are easy to identify and trigger, improving ease of operation while maintaining sufficient adaptability for different furniture configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple energy accumulators act as intermediaries that translate the continuous range of motion into discrete, easily identifiable switching points. These intermediaries create well-defined triggering positions that improve user experience by providing clear tactile and visual feedback at predetermined locations.
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 solution provides a clearly defined switching point, enhancing user experience by allowing the drive device to be triggered at a precise location, improving the usability and functionality of movable furniture parts.
Implementation Method 1
the energy accumulator as a compression spring and to arrange the actuating element in relation to the energy accumulator in such a way that, when a piece of furniture is in the closed position, it is pressed in by the furniture part resting on the actuating element by a partial distance of the entire specified distance against the action of the compression spring
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a switch element (1) comprising an actuating element (3) that can be impinged upon by an energy accumulator and is mounted so that it can be moved along a trajectory. At least two energy accumulators (2a, 2b) are used to impinge the actuating element (3) and the number of the energy accumulators (2a, 2b) impinging the actuating element (3) varies in predetermined positions (S1, S2) of the trajectory (S).