Hinge Flow Guiding Device for Furniture Electrical Conductivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture designs face challenges in effectively electrifying movable parts, limiting the integration of electrical devices due to limitations in power supply and conductivity within hinges and other moving components.
Innovation Solution
The integration of power-carrying devices with contact units and anchoring systems within hinges, allowing for electrical conductivity between movable and fixed furniture parts, utilizing conductive materials like die-cast zinc and spring-loaded contact elements for secure and concealed power supply, enabling the use of hinges as electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power-carrying means are integrated into the hinge to enable electrical connection between movable and fixed furniture parts, then electrical conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is designed to serve dual functions: mechanical connection and electrical conduction. The hinge arm and hinge cup are made of electrically conductive material (die-cast zinc) and incorporate contact units that enable current flow while maintaining the mechanical hinge function. This eliminates the need for separate electrical connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power-carrying device is merged with the hinge structure. The contact unit is integrated into the hinge arm, and the hinge itself serves as the current-carrying path. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
2Reliability
If spring-loaded contact elements are used to ensure secure contact under vibrations, then contact reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spring-loaded contact elements are incorporated into the hinge structure to preemptively compensate for vibrations and contact instability. The spring mechanism maintains constant contact pressure between the contact unit and the conductive hinge, ensuring reliable electrical connection even under vibrational conditions before problems occur.
3Shape
If the contact unit is concealed within the furniture body, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact unit is nested within the furniture body structure. The contact unit for the fixed furniture part is arranged below the mounting plate for the hinge arm and is guided within the furniture body so that the contact is not visible to a user from the outside. This nesting approach conceals the electrical components while maintaining functionality.
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 enhances the electrical conduction quality, allowing for the concealed and secure power supply to movable furniture parts, such as doors or flaps, even under vibrations, by using the hinge as a power supply conduit, optimizing current transmission and maintaining contact without visible external components.
Implementation Method 1
the current-carrying means comprise at least one spring-loaded contact element for electrical contacting
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A device (1) for conducting current to a furniture part (3) is proposed. The furniture part (3) is movably connected to a stationary furniture part, for example a furniture carcass (2), via a hinge (6). According to the invention, current-conducting means are provided, comprising a first current-conducting device for fixed arrangement on the side of the movable furniture part (3) and a second current-conducting device for fixed arrangement in the stationary furniture part (2). Each current-conducting device has a contact unit (4b, 5b) for contacting the hinge (6), which is fixedly arranged between the movable and stationary furniture parts, on the one hand on the side of the movable furniture part (3) and on the other hand on the side of the stationary furniture part (2). At least the contact unit (5b) for the side of the stationary furniture part (2) has an anchoring device for anchoring in the stationary furniture part.