Pivot Fitting With Integrated Locking Element for Manual Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot fittings for seating and reclining furniture are complex to assemble, require multiple components, and lack a compact design with reliable guidance and locking, often necessitating electric drives for unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A pivot fitting with a bearing element supporting rotatable pivot levers, a movable locking element, and an operating element for manual unlocking, allowing pre-assembled mounting and direct interlocking of levers, reducing complexity and eliminating the need for electric drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual components are used for pivot fitting, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking components into a single integrated locking element that can simultaneously engage with multiple pivot levers. This locking element includes multiple locking sections that can lock both the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever in one piece, thereby maintaining high locking reliability while significantly reducing the number of individual parts and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple locking operations simultaneously. It includes first locking sections for engaging with the first pivot lever and second locking sections for engaging with the second pivot lever, allowing a single component to provide comprehensive locking for the entire pivot fitting mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a single locking element is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the holding force capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element merges multiple locking sections into a single integrated structure. This unified design allows the locking element to distribute and transmit forces across multiple engagement points simultaneously, maintaining high holding force capacity while reducing the number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is segmented into multiple locking sections that can independently engage with different pivot levers. Each locking section is designed to bear specific loads, and the segmented structure within the unified component allows for optimized force distribution across multiple engagement points.
3Device complexity
If manual unlocking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with self-servicing capabilities through integrated spring elements that automatically return the locking sections to their locked positions after unlocking. The mechanism uses the inherent mechanical properties of springs and the geometry of the locking sections to automatically reset without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If pre-assembled unit is used, then the ease of installation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element, locking element, and operating element are pre-assembled into a unified pivot fitting unit. This integration allows for standardized manufacturing of the complete assembly, reducing installation complexity while the modular design enables quality control to be applied to the entire unit rather than requiring high precision at each individual interface.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a pivotal fitting (1) comprises a bearing element (2) on which a first pivot lever (3) and a second pivot lever (4) are rotatably mounted about mutually spaced axes (5, 6). The first pivot lever (3) and the second pivot lever (4) engage into each other on the sides facing each other and can be rotated together, wherein the bearing element (2) is equipped with a movable locking element (14) which can be moved between a position which locks the first and the second pivot lever (3, 4) and a position which unlocks the first and second pivot lever (3, 4) and in which the pivot levers (3, 4) can be rotated, and the locking element (14) can be manually moved from the locking position into the unlocking position using an operating element (7). In this manner, a seat part and a backrest part can be pivotally mounted on a piece of furniture relative to each other via the pivotal fitting.