Pivoting-Element Fitting for Tool-Free Damping Position Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fittings for pivoting elements require complex mechanisms to transition between damping positions, leading to increased production effort, costs, and susceptibility to defects, while also being visible and unsuitable for invisible designs.

Innovation Solution

A damping device is arranged in a fitting part with a locking mechanism that allows transfer between damping positions using orthogonal movements of engagement and locking elements, facilitated by a deflection device and an actuating element, which can be tool-free or tool-operated, ensuring a visually appealing and functional design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanism is used to transfer the damping device between damping positions, then the damping device can be transferred between positions, but the production effort and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping position transfer capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is divided into separate functional elements: a locking element that can be actuated independently, and an engagement element that interacts with it. This segmentation allows the damping device to be transferred between positions through a simplified two-step process rather than a complex integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to be movable between a release position and a locking position, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the damping device's position. This dynamic capability allows easy transfer between damping positions without requiring complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mechanism is used to transfer the damping device between damping positions, then the damping device can be transferred between positions, but the susceptibility to defects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping position transfer capabilityVSAvoiddefect susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the locking function into an independent locking element that can be actuated without tools, the mechanism becomes more reliable. There are fewer interconnected parts that could fail, and the simplified structure reduces potential defect points while maintaining the ability to transfer between damping positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If fitting components are arranged completely within the stationary element or pivoting element for invisible design, then the fitting becomes invisible, but the damping device cannot be transferred between positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoiddamping position transfer capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking and engagement elements are arranged within the fitting structure in a nested configuration. The locking element can be actuated from the outside to move between positions, while the engagement element remains integrated within the fitting components. This nesting allows the fitting to maintain a clean, invisible appearance when closed while still enabling damping device transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary that bridges the external actuation and the internal damping device. It can be moved by external force to engage or disengage the damping device, enabling position transfer without requiring visible mechanical linkages or complex external mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a locking element is moved from release position to locking position, then the damping device can be held in the second damping position, but the locking element must be movable in a first direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping position stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking element with defined movement capability in a first direction, and an engagement element that responds to this movement. This segmentation simplifies the overall mechanism while ensuring reliable positioning, as each element has a clear, limited function rather than requiring complex coordinated movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element moves in a first direction to engage the engagement element, while the engagement element then moves the locking element in a second direction orthogonal to the first. This two-dimensional movement sequence simplifies the locking mechanism compared to requiring complex three-dimensional coordination, while still achieving stable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4437208B1Fitting for movably mounting a pivoting element
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP4437208B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4437208B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4437208B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a fitting (1) for movably mounting a pivoting element (101), in particular a furniture part, of a door or a window relative to a stationary support (102), comprising: - a first substantially cuboid-shaped fitting part (2) which is designed to be arrangeable substantially completely in a recess (103b) on an end face (103a) of a panel (103) of the support (102), preferably a substantially horizontally or vertically oriented panel of the support, - a second fitting part (3) for securing to the pivoting element (101), said second fitting part (3) being pivotally connected to the first fitting part (2), wherein the second fitting part (3) can be arranged substantially completely in the pivoting element (101), and - a damping device (4) for damping a pivoting movement, preferably a closing movement, of the two fitting parts (2, 3) relative to each other. The damping device (4) can be converted from a first damping position into a second damping position with a reduced damping performance relative to the first damping position, and the damping device (4) is arranged in the first fitting part (2). A securing device (5) is provided for holding the damping device (4) in the second damping position.