Pivoting Fitting With Stepless One-Way Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivoting fittings for furniture and motor vehicle seats offer limited adjustment options, as they can only be locked in predetermined angular positions, restricting fine-tuning capabilities and allowing rotary movement within a specific angular range, which is not sufficient for applications like headrests or armrests that require more precise adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A swivel fitting with a blocking device that allows stepless adjustment via a switching element, enabling continuous rotation of up to 360° or more without the need for stops, allowing the first pivoting lever to be adjusted relative to the second pivoting lever at any desired angle, and featuring a clamping axis surrounded by a loop for stable fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ratchet mechanism is used to lock tabs in predetermined angular positions, then locking in opposite directions is possible, but fine-tuning capability is limited and adjustment precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the blocking function from a complex ratchet mechanism and implements it through a simple blocking device with a blocking element that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This allows stepless adjustment while maintaining the ability to lock in any position, resolving the contradiction between adjustment precision and mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device is designed to be dynamically switchable between blocked and unblocked states via a switching element. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition from free rotation (for positioning) to locked position (for stability), enabling both fine-tuning and secure locking without complex mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If stops are used to limit the angular range of pivoting levers, then the angular range is constrained, but the number of different embodiments required is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal blocking device that can accommodate any angular range requirement through a single embodiment. The blocking element can be positioned at different locations and the switching element can be configured for various angular limits, allowing one fitting design to serve multiple applications without requiring separate embodiments for different angular ranges
3Ease of operation
If a blocking device is introduced to enable stepless adjustment, then adjustment freedom is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is designed with localized functionality where the blocking element and switching element are positioned only where needed in the mechanism. This localized approach allows stepless adjustment capability to be added without requiring complex structures throughout the entire fitting, maintaining simplicity while providing the needed adjustment freedom
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
This solution provides a universal fitting that can be used for all conceivable pivoting angles, reducing manufacturing costs and effort by allowing two identical fittings to cover various applications, while ensuring stable and precise adjustments without the need for multiple components.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking device has a clamping axis which is surrounded by a loop which can be placed around the clamping axis in a clamping manner
Implementation Method 2
stepless adjustment of the blocking position being possible via a switching element which the blocking device for an adjustment process of the first pivoted lever relative to overrides the second pivoting lever in the first direction of rotation
Implementation Method 3
a blocking device is provided in order to block a rotary movement of the first pivoting lever relative to the second pivoting lever in a blocking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pivoting fitting (1, 1') comprising a first pivoting lever (2), which can be moved about an axis of rotation in relation to a second pivoting lever (3), wherein a blocking device (4, 4', 5, 5') is provided in order to block rotational motion of the first pivoting lever (2) in relation to the second pivoting lever (3) in a first direction of rotation and enable said rotational motion in an opposite second direction of rotation in a blocking position, wherein a switching element (10, 10') is provided for continuous adjustment of the blocking position in order to deactivate the blocking device (4, 4', 5, 5') for an adjustment process of the first pivoting lever (2) in relation to the second pivoting lever (3) in the first direction of rotation. Thus, the two pivoting levers (2, 3) can be blocked in one direction of rotation in all angular positions. At least one corresponding pivoting fitting (1, 1') can be used in a piece of furniture (100) or in a motor vehicle seat.