Improvements in movement control devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movement control devices for furniture components like drawers and doors lack efficient mechanisms for controlled opening and closing, particularly in terms of providing a balanced biassing and damping force, and often intrude excessively into the furniture's interior space.
Innovation Solution
A movement control device featuring a housing with a spring-biased elongate push rod, a piston and cylinder type linear damper providing damped resistive force, and an indexing mechanism, which allows for a two-stage biassing force and minimizes overall length, enabling controlled movement of furniture components with reduced intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional movement control device is used, then opening and closing function is provided, but the device intrudes excessively into the furniture's interior space
Solution Approach 1:
The damper axis is positioned offset from the push rod longitudinal axis, creating a parallel but spatially separated arrangement. This dimensional repositioning allows the damping function to be integrated without increasing the primary extension of the device into the furniture interior, effectively reducing intrusion while maintaining controlled movement functionality
2Force
If a spring-biased push rod is used, then outward movement force is provided, but the biassing force is unbalanced throughout the movement range
Solution Approach 1:
The force provision is segmented into two distinct stages: initial spring-biased movement and subsequent damped movement. The spring provides force during the initial outward movement phase, while the damper takes over for the remainder of the stroke. This segmentation creates a balanced force profile throughout the movement range without requiring a single complex force control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions dynamically between two force provision modes. The spring and damper are arranged to engage at different points during the push rod's movement, creating a dynamic force balance that adapts to the movement phase. This dynamic arrangement provides balanced biassing force throughout the entire range without mechanical complexity
3Length of stationary object
If a piston and cylinder type linear damper is used with offset axis, then device length is minimized, but the damping force application point is spaced from the push rod axis
Solution Approach 1:
The damping force application is shifted to a parallel dimension rather than being collinear with the push rod axis. By positioning the damper axis offset from but parallel to the push rod longitudinal axis, the device achieves compact overall length while the damping force is effectively applied through this parallel arrangement, resolving the spatial conflict between compactness and force alignment
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 device facilitates smooth and controlled opening and closing of drawers and doors with a balanced biassing and damping force, minimizing intrusion into the furniture's interior space and allowing for adjustable protrusion of the push rod.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged between the housing and the push rod to provide a biassing force on the push rod in a first direction parallel to said longitudinal axis causing an outward movement of the push rod out of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a damping device arranged between the housing and the push rod to provide a damped resistive force in a direction opposite to said first direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
A movement control device is provided comprising a housing (11) with an elongate push rod (10) mounted therein for reciprocal movement along a longitudinal axis (x). One end of the push rod extends out of the housing. A spring (12) is arranged between the housing and the push rod to provide a biassing force on the push rod in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. A damping device (15) is arranged between the housing and the push rod to provide a damped resistive force in a direction opposite to said first direction. An indexing mechanism (18) controls movement of the push rod relative to the housing. The damping device is arranged to act along an axis (y) that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the push rod and spaced apart from it.