Movement control device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push latches for furniture components are often oversized, causing space encroachment and can operate violently, especially in shorter doors, due to friction issues from lateral forces affecting the movement control device.
Innovation Solution
A movement control device with a housing, an elongate push rod, a spring providing biasing force, and a damping device that engages with the push rod throughout its travel, where the spring and damping device axes are not coaxial, allowing for a compact design and controlled opening force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the push latch is made compact to minimize storage space encroachment, then the volume of the device is reduced, but the damping device may not be able to engage with the push rod throughout its full travel
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device is nested within the hollow core of the push rod, with the damper piston and damping fluid assembled inside the push rod bore. This nesting arrangement allows the damping device to be contained within the push rod structure itself, minimizing overall device volume while maintaining full damping engagement throughout the push rod's travel between first and second positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring's primary axis is oriented substantially parallel to but not coaxial with the push rod's longitudinal axis, creating a non-coaxial arrangement. This dimensional reconfiguration allows both the spring and damping device to be positioned to one side of the push rod, reducing the overall footprint and volume of the movement control device while ensuring the damping device remains engaged throughout the full stroke.
2Device complexity
If the spring and damping device are arranged coaxially with the push rod, then the structure is simplified, but the device becomes oversized and encroaches on storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is positioned with its primary axis substantially parallel to but offset from the push rod's longitudinal axis, creating a non-coaxial arrangement. This lateral displacement allows the spring and damping device to be positioned to one side of the push rod, significantly reducing the overall volume and footprint of the movement control device compared to a coaxial arrangement, while maintaining structural clarity through the parallel axis configuration.
3Device complexity
If the damping device engages only at specific positions, then the structure is simpler, but the push rod cannot be controlled throughout its full travel
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device is configured to maintain continuous engagement with the push rod throughout its entire reciprocating travel between the first and second positions. The damper piston moves with respect to the push rod bore continuously, providing sustained damping force during the full opening and closing strokes, which ensures smooth and controlled operation of the push rod throughout its complete range of motion.
4Ease of operation
If lateral forces are allowed to act on the push rod and damper, then the natural push latch operation is maintained, but friction increases and operation becomes violent
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device acts as an intermediary element between the push rod and the lateral forces generated during door influence. The damping fluid provides a controlled resistive force that mediates the interaction between the push rod and lateral loads, converting violent friction-based operation into a smooth, controlled motion throughout the push rod's travel, thereby eliminating the harmful friction effects while maintaining proper latch function.
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 compact, stable, and smooth operation of push latches by minimizing the size of the device and reducing friction, ensuring a consistent opening force and longer lifespan by engaging the damping device throughout the push rod's travel.
Implementation Method 1
a spring comprising a primary axis operable to provide a biasing force on the push rod
Implementation Method 2
a damping device comprising a primary axis, wherein the damping device is directly or indirectly in substantially continuous engagement with the push rod through its reciprocating movement
Data Source
AI summary
A movement control device comprising a housing with an elongate push rod mounted therein for reciprocal movement along a longitudinal axis between first and second positions, wherein the push rod extends out of said housing in both the first and second positions. A spring comprising a primary axis operable to provide a biasing force on the push rod is further provided in the housing. A damping device comprising a primary axis is located in the housing, wherein the damping device is in continuous engagement with the push rod through its reciprocating movement. The primary axis of the spring and the primary axis of the damping device are not coaxial.