Linear Actuator Linkage Locking for Fast Furniture Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and replacement of linear actuators in furniture systems are cumbersome due to difficult access to the assembly area and require significant effort, making them time-consuming and challenging, especially when a defective actuator needs to be replaced.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with a linear actuator featuring a spindle, nut, and electric motor, where the actuator is fastened to a stationary frame using an operating linkage with a pin and recess system, allowing for tool-free attachment and secure locking without screws, simplifying assembly and replacement by shifting the actuator into a locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the linear actuator is fastened to the frame using individual screws, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the assembly and replacement process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated fastening element that combines positioning and securing capabilities, allowing the linear actuator to be firmly attached to the frame while enabling quick release and replacement without multiple individual fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is segmented into a movable linear actuator portion and a stationary frame portion with complementary fastening elements, allowing the actuator to be easily inserted and locked into position while maintaining secure attachment
2Reliability
If the linear actuator is fastened to the frame using individual screws, then the attachment is secure, but the assembly area accessibility requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is extracted from the traditional screw-based system to a simplified insertion and locking system that requires minimal access space, allowing assembly to be performed in confined areas where screw operations would be difficult or impossible
3Reliability
If the linear actuator requires screw attachment, then the connection is secure, but the replacement of defective actuators becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static screwed connection to a dynamic insertion and locking mechanism that allows the linear actuator to be quickly removed and replaced by simply disengaging the locking element and withdrawing the actuator from the frame
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 significantly simplifies the assembly and replacement of linear actuators by eliminating the need for individual screw attachment, enabling quick and easy installation and maintenance, reducing the complexity and time required for these processes.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator for transmitting a linear movement, which has a spindle and a nut cooperating therewith
Implementation Method 2
a releasable locking element which, in the locking position, causes a relative movement of the linear actuator blocked to the fixed frame
Data Source
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AI summary
The drive system according to the invention essentially consists of: - a linear actuator (10) for transmitting a linear motion, comprising a spindle (101) and a nut (102) interacting with it, as well as an electric motor (103) for driving the spindle; and - a stationary frame (201, 202) and at least one frame (203) movable relative to it; - wherein the linear actuator (10) is attached to the stationary frame (201, 202) and the movable frame (201, 202) is pivotally coupled to the nut (102) via at least one actuating linkage (30), wherein a displacement of the nut along the spindle (101) causes a movement of the movable frame (203) relative to the stationary frame (201, 202); The nut further comprises at least one pin (102b, 102c) and the actuating linkage (30) is provided with a corresponding recess. (301a,302a) equipped for attaching the actuating rod to the pin,wherein the attached actuating rod is secured to the pin with a locking element (40, 41), in particular a clip. Of course, the kinematic reversal (pin on the actuating rod and corresponding recess on the nut) is also conceivable.