Hinged fitting for the pivotable connection of two furniture parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding fittings for pivotable connections of furniture parts, such as slatted frame halves, are difficult to fold and lock easily, often requiring significant force and are prone to overextension, which can lead to damage.
Innovation Solution
A folding fitting with a resilient locking element that deflects transversely to the central fitting, engaging behind transverse wings in the extended position, and stop bolts or projections limiting pivoting movement, allowing easy folding and secure locking without excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking means with knobs or locking pins are used to hold side fittings in the extended position, then the folding fitting can be secured in the extended position, but significant force is required to engage and disengage the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element changes its physical state between engaged and disengaged positions through resilient deflection. By utilizing elastic deformation of the locking element, the system transitions from a force-intensive mechanical locking mechanism to a spring-based automatic engagement system that requires minimal operating force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically engages with the transverse wings when the side fittings are moved to the extended position, and automatically disengages when deflected. The resilient nature of the locking element allows it to self-reset and self-engage without requiring manual intervention or excessive force from the user.
2Reliability
If cross wings are designed as stops to limit pivoting movement, then the pivoting movement can be limited, but the structure becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse wings serve multiple functions: they act as stops to limit pivoting movement when the side fittings are in the extended position, and simultaneously serve as engagement surfaces for the locking element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stop components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable pivoting control.
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
Enables easy folding and secure locking of furniture parts, reducing the risk of overextension and damage, while providing a compact and stable design.
Implementation Method 1
a locking element which is resiliently deflectable transversely to the plane of the central fitting and is designed to be deflected by the transverse wings when approaching the extended position and to engage behind the transverse wings in a resilient manner when reaching the extended position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinged fitting (1) for pivotally connecting two furniture parts, comprising two side fittings (3, 4), each of which is pivotally coupled at one end to a central fitting (2), wherein the side fittings (3, 4) each have a transverse wing (6, 7) that projects from the plane of the side fittings (3, 4) into the plane of the central fitting (2), and wherein the hinged fitting (1) has means for limiting the pivoting movement and for holding the side fittings (3, 4) in the extended position. According to the invention, the means for holding the side fittings (3, 4) comprise a locking element (10; 10') that is resiliently deflectable transversely to the plane of the central fitting (2) and is deflected by the transverse wings (6, 7) as they approach the extended position, and then engages them in a spring-like manner. Furthermore, the hinge fitting (1) includes a handle (12) for manual unlocking by deflecting the locking element (10).A folding fitting according to the invention can be easily folded in and out and locked in the extended position.