Electromotive Linear Drive Segmented Coupling for Furniture Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromotive linear drives for furniture adjustment face issues with sudden lowering of furniture components due to lack of self-inhibiting threads and complex braking systems, and have complicated handling mechanisms in interlocking couplings.
Innovation Solution
A construction featuring a first and second coupling part that engage with a connecting part, allowing for easy decoupling by displacement in the spindle's longitudinal direction, preventing sudden lowering and enabling manual twisting of the spindle nut for controlled lifting or lowering of furniture components, using a sliding sleeve with internal profile sections and a circumferential collar with non-standard toothing for reduced force expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disconnecting clutch is used to separate the driving connection, then the coupling can be decoupled, but the furniture component lowers suddenly because the thread is not self-inhibiting
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling connection is segmented into two separate coupling parts (first coupling part and second coupling part) that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This allows the driving connection to be separated without affecting the self-inhibiting thread connection, enabling controlled decoupling while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The two coupling parts act as intermediaries between the spindle nut and the connecting part. By engaging or disengaging these coupling parts, the driving connection can be controlled without directly affecting the self-inhibiting thread mechanism, thus preventing sudden lowering while enabling easy decoupling.
2Reliability
If a braking device is added to prevent sudden lowering, then controlled lowering is achieved, but the device configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The thread connection is designed to be self-inhibiting, meaning it automatically prevents unwanted movement without requiring an external braking device. The dual coupling part mechanism works together with the self-inhibiting thread property to provide controlled lowering inherently, eliminating the need for complex braking systems.
3Strength
If an interlocking coupling is used for connection, then the connection is secure, but the actuation and handling becomes very complicated and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into two separate coupling parts that can be independently engaged or disengaged along the longitudinal direction of the spindle. This segmentation allows for simple linear movement to achieve coupling or decoupling, making the operation user-friendly while maintaining secure connection when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex interlocking coupling that requires complicated actuation, the invention uses a simple displacement mechanism along the longitudinal axis. The coupling parts are designed to be engaged or disengaged by simple linear displacement, inverting the traditional approach of using complex rotational or multi-step coupling mechanisms.
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 simple, user-friendly mechanism for decoupling the driving connection, preventing sudden furniture component lowering and allowing for easy manual adjustment with minimal force, while maintaining a torsion-proof connection for safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
the inhibition of the thread is arranged in the self-inhibited region or in the transitional region to the non-self-inhibiting region
Data Source
AI summary
An electromotive linear drive with a housing that is equipped with a drive unit, the output member of which is designed as linearly movable spindle nut that is operatively connected to a connecting part for connecting to another component. The spindle nut is engaged with the connecting part in the normal operating state by a first coupling part and a second coupling part engaged with said first coupling part, and the driving connection can be decoupled by a movement of at least one coupling part in the longitudinal direction of the spindle.