Pull-Cable Table Adjustment Gear for Ergonomic Furniture Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture with tiltable or vertically adjustable table tops, such as desks, often rely on expensive motorized solutions or awkward manual cranks for actuation, lacking a simple and comfortable mechanism for adjusting the gear.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated cable- or belt-type pulling element is used for rotary actuation of the adjusting gear, which is self-locking and includes a return spring mechanism, allowing for ergonomic adjustment of furniture parts like table tops, with options for different mounting configurations and free-wheel devices for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized solution is used for adjusting the furniture part, then the adjustment is automated and easy to operate, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motorized actuation system with a manually operated cable- or belt-type pulling mechanism. The pulling element is wrapped around a wrapping section coupled to the drive shaft, converting linear pulling motion into rotary motion of the drive shaft. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for expensive motors while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive pull-to-adjust action.
2Ease of manufacture
If a manual crank is used for actuating the adjusting gear, then the cost is reduced, but the operation becomes awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional crank mechanism by using a pulling element wrapped around the drive shaft instead of a protruding crank handle. The user pulls the cable- or belt-type element in a linear motion, which is then converted to rotary motion of the drive shaft through the wrapping section. This inversion provides a more ergonomic and intuitive operating experience while maintaining low cost.
3Ease of operation
If the pulling element is wrapped around the drive shaft, then the actuation becomes simple and ergonomic, but the coupling between the pulling element and drive shaft must be reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the cylindrical curvature of the drive shaft by wrapping the pulling element around it in multiple turns. This curved wrapping creates friction-based engagement that reliably couples the linear pulling motion to the rotary motion of the drive shaft. The wrapping section may be provided directly on the drive shaft or on a drive reel fitted to the drive shaft, ensuring consistent contact and force transmission.
4Reliability
If the adjusting gear is made self-locking, then the furniture part remains securely in position, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-locking adjusting gear mechanism that automatically maintains the furniture part in its adjusted position without requiring additional locking components or complex control systems. The gear components are designed to inherently prevent back-driving, so that once the drive shaft is rotated by the pulling element, the position is automatically maintained. This self-service approach provides position stability while minimizing added complexity.
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 cost-effective, comfortable, and ergonomic means to adjust furniture parts, ensuring they remain in position securely while allowing for easy operation, suitable for office and children's furniture, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating mechanism is advantageously provided with a return spring or other return spring means which can be tensioned into a pull-out position as the pulling element is pulled and which returns the pulling element to its neutral position.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a piece of furniture containing a furniture base part (13a-13f), in particular a furniture frame, and a furniture part (11) movable relative thereto, in particular a table top (12), with an adjusting gear (20a-20f) for driving the furniture part (11) and with an actuating mechanism (30a-30f) for the rotary actuation of a drive shaft (36a-36f) of the adjusting gear (20a-20f). In the piece of furniture (10a-10f), it is provided that the actuating mechanism (30a-30f) for the rotary actuation of the adjusting gear (20a-20f) contains a manually operated cable- or belt-type pulling element (31a-31f) which is wrapped around a wrapping section (51a-51f) coupled for rotation with the drive shaft (36a-36f) at least during an actuation of the actuating mechanism (30a-30f) and which, when pulled, causes the drive shaft (36a-36f) to rotate.