Gas Spring Brake for Controlled Telescoping Furniture Post Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Height-adjustable tables with gas pressure springs face hazards of uncontrollable movement due to sudden weight changes, which can lead to damage or injury, as existing safety measures can be bypassed by users.
Innovation Solution
A braking device is integrated into the gas pressure spring, regulating fluid passage to limit the maximum speed of height adjustment and prevent uncontrollable movements by adjusting fluid channels based on load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a securing means (lever or button) is used to prevent unwanted movement during height adjustment, then safety against unintended movement is improved, but the system can be bypassed by users (e.g., by shaking the movable portion or applying weight), resulting in uncontrollable movement and potential injury
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device applies a preliminary counteracting force to the fluid flow that causes column movement. The brake mechanism is pre-configured to oppose any rapid movement by creating back pressure in the fluid chamber, preventing the harmful effect of uncontrollable movement before it can occur, even when the securing means is bypassed.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking device acts as an intermediary between the gas pressure spring and the movable column portion. It mediates the force transmission by controlling fluid flow, allowing controlled movement during normal operation while preventing dangerous rapid movement when loads are applied or the securing means is bypassed.
2Reliability
If the gas pressure spring is set to a certain permissible weight to prevent uncontrollable movement, then safety is improved, but height adjustment becomes impossible when the load exceeds or falls below this weight
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device dynamically adjusts its braking effect based on the actual load conditions. When the column moves at normal speeds within the permissible weight range, the brake allows smooth operation. When excessive forces are detected (indicating weight limits are exceeded or rapid movement occurs), the brake automatically increases resistance to prevent uncontrollable movement, thus adapting to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking characteristic is changed based on operating parameters. The brake mechanism modifies the fluid flow resistance according to the speed and force of column movement, allowing normal height adjustment within safe parameters while preventing dangerous movement when parameters exceed safe limits.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with cable system is used to measure tensile forces and enable height adjustment only when forces are in equilibrium, then safety is improved, but the system can be bypassed by users applying force to the table plate
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is self-regulating and does not require external monitoring or user interaction. It automatically detects unsafe conditions through the fluid pressure changes and applies braking force accordingly, serving its own safety function without relying on external sensing systems that can be bypassed.
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 effectively prevents sudden upward or downward movements of the table, ensuring safety and stability even when the securing mechanism is accidentally unsecured, allowing ergonomic height adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A braking device is integrated into the gas pressure spring, regulating fluid passage to limit the maximum speed of height adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A braking device for a height-adjustable item of furniture is provided within a gas pressure spring. The braking device includes piston, which is arranged within a cylinder and in which a first fluid passage is provided, as well as a piston rod and a second fluid passage, wherein a maximum speed of the height adjustment can be controlled by regulating the fluid passage within the gas pressure spring.