Furniture Lid Fitting Lateral Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lid fitting technologies for furniture lack a simple and efficient mechanism for lateral adjustment, often requiring complex mechanisms and large adjustment paths, which can lead to increased complexity and size of components.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using two lid fittings arranged on opposite sides of the lid, with adjustable elements between the base elements and swivel arms, allowing for lateral bracing and adjustment by screwing mechanisms, utilizing materials like polyamide and polyoxymethylene for low friction, and incorporating a head section with a countersunk hole to prevent over-screwing, enabling small adjustment paths for large leverage effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex adjustment mechanisms are used to achieve lateral adjustment of the lid, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral adjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent lid fittings, each with its own adjustment element. By dividing the adjustment function across two symmetrically arranged fittings, the system achieves precise lateral control without requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism. Each fitting independently contributes to the overall lateral positioning of the lid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex mechanism to directly achieve lateral adjustment, the patent inverts the approach by using the vertical positioning of adjustment elements to control lateral movement. The adjustment elements are positioned vertically on the lid fittings, and their vertical adjustment translates into lateral bracing and positioning of the lid through the geometry of the fitting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If large adjustment paths are used to achieve lateral movement of the lid, then the adjustment range is improved, but the component size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral adjustment rangeVSAvoidadjustment component size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the adjustment movement from a horizontal lateral path to a vertical adjustment path. The adjustment elements move vertically on the lid fittings, and this vertical movement is converted into lateral bracing and positioning of the lid. This dimensional transformation allows for adequate adjustment range without requiring large horizontal component dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the adjustment parameter from lateral displacement to vertical position. By adjusting the vertical position of the adjustment elements on the lid fittings, the system achieves lateral bracing and positioning effects. This parameter change allows compact component design while maintaining effective adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If friction torque is applied over the entire pivoting travel to control lid speed, then the lid opening speed control is improved, but the energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid opening speedVSAvoidfriction energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying friction torque throughout the entire pivoting travel, the patent applies friction control only at specific critical points - namely at the adjustment elements where lateral bracing occurs. This partial application of friction is sufficient to control lid opening speed and prevent dangerous rapid movement, while minimizing unnecessary energy loss during the rest of the pivoting motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 simplifies lateral adjustment of furniture lids by eliminating lateral play, reducing component complexity, and achieving a large adjustment path with minimal movement, ensuring stability and ease of use while preventing unintentional unscrewing.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing materials like polyamide and polyoxymethylene for low friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The adjustment elements are adjusted transversely to the respective swivel plane. In a specific embodiment, the adjustment elements each have a threaded section that is screwed into a thread of the swivel arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Implementation Method 3

the elements for connecting the lid to the lid fitting can be made smaller and less complex. Furthermore, the lever action of the swivel arm allows for greater adjustment of the lid due to very small adjustment travel of the adjustment element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3623557B1Lid fitting for swingable mounting of a lid to a furniture body and furniture
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 FLAP COMPETENCE CENT KFT
  • EP3623557B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3623557B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3623557B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Lid fitting for pivotally attaching a lid (11) to a furniture body (6), wherein the lid fitting (1) comprises: a base element (2) for mounting the lid fitting (1) to a side wall (5) of the furniture body (6), a swivel arm (7) which is pivotably attached to the base element (2) about a first body axis (K1), and a connecting arrangement (9) for pivotally connecting the swivel arm (7) to the lid (11), wherein the lid fitting (1) further comprises an adjusting element (21) which is supported and adjustable between the swivel arm (7) and the base element (2).