Furniture Lid Adjuster Gearbox for Variable Opening Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid actuators for furniture are limited by the need for different energy storage devices and opening angles, leading to compromises in functionality when used across various opening types, such as folding, lift-up, and parallel lift mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A lid adjuster with a gearbox that converts input rotation angles into different output angles, allowing a single device to accommodate multiple opening types by adjusting the gearbox to match the required opening angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lid adjuster is designed for a specific opening type with a fixed opening angle, then the energy storage device can be fully utilized for that specific application, but the device cannot be adapted to other opening types requiring different angle ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal lid adjuster design where a single actuator with a gear mechanism can serve multiple opening types (folding lift, tilt-up, parallel lift) by adjusting the gear ratio. The gear converts a fixed input rotation angle into different output rotation angles, allowing one actuator to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized actuators for different opening types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output parameter (opening angle) while keeping the input parameter (actuator rotation angle) constant. By modifying the gear ratio, the same actuator can produce different output angles suitable for different opening types, thereby achieving adaptability without increasing device complexity through multiple actuators.
2Ease of operation
If a lid adjuster with a limited opening angle is used for an opening type requiring a larger angle, then the device structure remains simple, but the lid cannot be fully opened restricting access to the furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The gear acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the actuating arm. It mediates the relationship between the fixed input rotation angle and the required variable output opening angle, enabling full opening capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure by adding only one intermediate component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lid adjuster with a large opening angle capacity is used for an opening type requiring a smaller angle, then adaptability is improved, but the energy stored in the energy storage device is not fully utilized reducing the usable weight capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through the gear mechanism, allowing the system to adapt its effective opening angle to match the specific requirements of different opening types. This dynamic configuration ensures that the energy storage device operates at full capacity for each application, eliminating energy waste while maintaining broad adaptability.
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 a single lid adjuster to achieve the full opening angle needed for each type, optimizing functionality and utilization of energy storage without requiring multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
an energy accumulator arranged within the housing, a coupling element coupled to the energy accumulator and driven thereby for movement about an output axis
Implementation Method 2
a gear arranged on the outside of the housing and via which the actuating arm is coupled to the coupling element such that an input angle of rotation of the coupling element about the output axis is converted into a different output angle of rotation of the actuating arm about the actuating axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Lid adjuster (3) for a piece of furniture, comprising: a housing (15), a force accumulator (20) arranged inside the housing (15), a coupling element (25) which is coupled to the force accumulator (20) and is driven thereby to be movable about an output axis (T), and an actuating arm (14) which is arranged on the outside of the housing (15) and is coupled to the coupling element (25) in such a way that the actuating arm (14) is driven to rotate about an actuating axis (S), characterized by a gear (18) arranged on the outside of the housing (15) and via which the actuating arm (14) is coupled to the coupling element (25) in such a way that an input angle of rotation of the coupling element (25) about the output axis (T) is converted into an output angle of rotation of the actuating arm (14) about the actuating axis (S) which differs from this.