Hinged fitting for the pivotable connection of two slatted frame halves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding fittings for pivotably connecting slatted frame halves are either difficult to fold in and out or lack sufficient stability and security in the extended position, often requiring excessive force to lock and unlock, and are prone to overextension.
Innovation Solution
A folding fitting with stop elements and a resilient locking mechanism that includes stop pins and surfaces on the central and side fittings, allowing precise definition of the extended position and preventing overextension, combined with a locking element that ensures easy folding and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking means are designed to provide secure locking in the extended position, then stability and security are improved, but excessive force is required to lock and unlock the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed as a resilient component that can dynamically change its state between locked and unlocked positions. The resilience allows the locking element to be deflected with moderate force for easy operation while maintaining a secure locked state through its elastic recovery, thus resolving the contradiction between secure locking and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state of the resilient locking element (deflected vs. undeflected positions) to achieve different functions. When deflected, it engages with the stop element for secure locking; when undeflected, it releases for easy unlocking. This parameter change allows the same component to provide both security and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the folding fitting is designed to be easy to fold in and out, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and security in the extended position deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient locking element provides dynamic adaptability: during the folding motion, it remains flexible and easy to manipulate; once the extended position is reached, it automatically engages with the stop element to provide stable locking. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
3Ease of operation
If the pivoting movement is not limited, then ease of operation is improved, but the folding fitting is prone to overextension and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element and stop surface are pre-positioned on the fittings to define the maximum extent of pivoting motion before overextension can occur. This preliminary positioning of limiting elements ensures that the folding fitting automatically stops at the correct position, preventing overextension while maintaining ease of operation within the safe range.
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 provides a stable, easy-to-handle folding fitting that can absorb greater forces without damage, prevents overextension, and ensures secure locking without requiring excessive force, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient locking mechanism that includes stop pins and surfaces on the central and side fittings, allowing precise definition of the extended position and preventing overextension, combined with a locking element that ensures easy folding and secure locking
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 pivotally coupled at one end to a central fitting (2), wherein the side fittings (3, 4) each have a transverse wing (6, 7) projecting 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 limiting the pivoting movement upon reaching the extended position comprise at least one stop element, in particular a stop bolt (14, 15), which is arranged on one or both side fittings (3, 4), and at least one stop surface (16, 17) on the central fitting (2) that is designed to match the stop element(s) or stop bolt(s) (14, 15), or vice versa.The means for holding the side fittings (3, 4) include a locking element (10, 10') that is resiliently deflectable transversely to the plane of the center fitting (2) and is deflected by the transverse wings (6, 7) as it approaches the extended position, then rebounds behind them. The hinged fitting (1) also includes a handle (12) for manual unlocking by deflecting the locking element (10). A hinged fitting according to the invention is easily both folded in and out and can be locked in the extended position.