Furniture Synchronization Rod Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronization devices for furniture often suffer from loose connections due to careless assembly, leading to undesired play and inharmonious movement between adjusting devices, which affects the synchronous operation of movable parts like flaps or drawers.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization device with a releasable locking mechanism that requires user intervention to transition from a locked to a released state, ensuring the synchronization rod can only be connected properly after deliberate actuation, utilizing a spring-loaded locking element and manual grip element to prevent improper assembly and ensure play-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a screw connection is used to connect the synchronization rod to the adjusting device, then the assembly is simple and can be disassembled, but the connection becomes loose due to careless assembly, leading to play and inharmonious movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device automatically engages and secures the synchronization rod to the adjusting device without requiring manual tightening or complex assembly steps. The spring-loaded locking element self-activates when the rod is inserted, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is pre-configured in a locked state before assembly begins. This preliminary locked state prevents improper assembly and ensures that the connection is securely established from the outset, eliminating the risk of loose connections due to careless assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a locking device is added to prevent loose connections, then connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidfastening device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is integrated with the fastening mechanism, combining the functions of connection and locking into a single unified system. This merging approach ensures reliable connection while avoiding the need for separate, additional components that would increase overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device serves multiple functions: it prevents loose connections, guides proper assembly, and can be manually released for disassembly. This multi-functionality achieves high reliability without requiring multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the locking device is always in the locked state, then connection reliability is maximized, but the ease of disassembly and maintenance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device transitions between a locked state (during normal operation) and a released state (during assembly/disassembly). This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain high reliability during operation while enabling easy disassembly when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution ensures a concurrent, harmonious movement of adjusting devices by preventing loose connections, allowing for precise synchronization and stable operation of furniture components like flaps and drawers.

Implementation Method 1

a spring device, by means of which the locking element can be moved in the releasing direction against the force of the spring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2491213B1Synchronizing device for synchronizing two actuators controlling the motion of a mobile furniture part
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP2491213B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2491213B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2491213B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a synchronization device for moving a first actuating device in synchronization with at least one second actuating device, wherein the first actuating device and the second actuating device are provided on a piece of furniture in the installed state in order to move a movable furniture part, comprising: a synchronization rod for transferring a synchronous motion of the at least two actuating devices, at least one fastening device, by means of which the synchronization rod can be detachably connected to at least one of the two actuating devices, wherein at least one detachable locking device (12) is provided, which prevents the synchronization rod (7) from being connected to the at least one fastening device (8) in the locked state of the locking device (12), wherein the locking device (12) is in the locking state without prior actuation by a user.