Manual Ejection Device for Folding-Sliding Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ejection devices for folding-sliding doors are technically complex and expensive, often requiring electric motors, making them prone to issues and costly.
Innovation Solution
A manually loadable ejection device with a force storage member and locking mechanism, allowing manual operation by sliding movement parallel to the closing plane, and featuring a locking device that can be unlocked by applying pressure, along with optional hinged door portions and damping devices for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric motors are used in ejection devices, then the ejection function is reliable and powerful, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motors with a purely mechanical ejection system consisting of a spring element (force storage member) and a cam mechanism. The spring element stores energy when compressed by the door during closing, and the cam mechanism converts this stored energy into the ejection motion, eliminating the need for electric motors while maintaining reliable ejection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection device is designed to be self-loading - the door itself compresses the spring element during the closing operation, automatically storing the energy needed for ejection without requiring external power sources or control systems. This self-service mechanism reduces device complexity while ensuring consistent ejection performance.
2Power
If electric motors are used in ejection devices, then the ejection power is sufficient, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as spring elements and cam profiles that can be manufactured using conventional machining processes. These components are far cheaper than electric motors while providing sufficient ejection power through proper mechanical design and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection power is controlled by adjusting physical parameters of the mechanical components, such as spring constant, cam profile geometry, and lever arm lengths, rather than requiring complex electronic control systems. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining adequate ejection power for the application.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent premature ejection, then the operational safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the existing cam mechanism and spring element. The cam profile is designed to engage with a locking surface on the door, preventing premature ejection. This integration adds minimal complexity while ensuring operational safety, as the locking and ejection functions share common mechanical elements.
4Device complexity
If manual loading by sliding movement is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user effort required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading mechanism utilizes the natural dynamics of the door closing operation. As the door slides closed, its momentum automatically compresses the spring element, converting the door's kinetic energy into stored elastic energy. This dynamic loading process requires minimal additional user effort beyond the normal door closing 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
The solution provides a technically uncomplicated and cost-effective ejection mechanism that facilitates smooth operation of folding-sliding doors between closed and open positions, ensuring reliable and efficient movement without the need for electric motors.
Implementation Method 1
a force storage member (7) to be loaded manually by a user and an ejection element (5) which can be acted upon by the force storage member (7), and the force storage member (7) can be loaded by a sliding movement of the folding-sliding door
Implementation Method 2
one or more damping devices for damping the movement of the folding-sliding door directly before reaching one or more defined positions relative to the furniture body
Data Source
AI summary
An ejecting device can eject a cover element movably mounted on a piece of furniture, in particular a folding door or folding/sliding door, from a closed position into an open position. The cover element can be moved at least in a first direction perpendicular to the closing plane, on which the cover element is arranged in the closed position, and in a second direction parallel to the closing plane. The ejecting device includes an energy accumulator, which is to be charged manually by a user, and an ejecting element, on which the energy accumulator acts. The energy accumulator can be charged by moving the cover element substantially in a direction parallel to the closing plane, preferably during an ongoing cover element opening process following the ejection process, particularly preferably immediately following the ejection process.