Push-Open Furniture Drive With Speed-Controlled Closure Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive devices for furniture parts fail to securely lock the closed position when closure is too rapid, leading to potential reopening and lack of secure closure.

Innovation Solution

A drive device with a speed-controlled blocking element that adjusts its position based on the closing speed of the furniture part, using a torsion spring and guideway mechanism to prevent immediate reopening, ensuring the furniture part is securely stopped in the closed position until a specified speed threshold is met.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the drawer is pushed too hard or closes too rapidly, then the ejection device cannot lock or is immediately brought back into the overpressure position, but the closed position cannot be secured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure closureVSAvoidrapid closing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is designed to dynamically change its function based on closing speed. During rapid closing, it acts as a block to prevent the ejection device from reaching the overpressure position. During normal closing, it allows the ejection device to function normally. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the system's response to the closing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of the blocking element based on closing speed. When closing speed exceeds a threshold, the blocking element engages to block the ejection device. When closing speed is normal, the blocking element disengages to allow normal operation. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction between secure closure and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a blocking element is used to prevent rapid closing, then secure closure is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure closureVSAvoidblocking element mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is merged with the existing ejection device structure. It utilizes the same guideway and is actuated by the same spring mechanism that controls the ejection device. This integration minimizes additional complexity while achieving the security function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element serves multiple functions: it blocks the ejection device during rapid closing to prevent insecure closure, and it allows normal operation during gentle closing. The same mechanical structure performs both protective and permissive functions based on operating conditions, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Guarantees safe and secure closure by preventing immediate reopening when closure is too rapid, allowing controlled movement into the open position only after the blocking element releases its force, ensuring the furniture part remains locked until manually released.

Implementation Method 1

an energy accumulator, preferably a torsion spring, is provided according to the invention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2804505B1Drive device for a movable furniture part
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP2804505B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2804505B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2804505B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to drive device (1) for a movable furniture part (2), comprising a lockable ejection device (5) for ejecting the movable furniture part (2) out of a closed position (SS) into an open position (OS), wherein the ejection device (5) can be unlocked by pushing the movable furniture part (2) over into an pushed-over position (ÜS) located behind the closed position (SS) in the closing direction (SR), wherein a blocking element (70) is provided, which has a first position (BL) in which the movable furniture part (2) can be stopped when reaching the closed position (SS), wherein the blocking element (70) prevents a further movement of the movable furniture part (2) in the closing direction (SR), and said locking element has a second position (FR) in which the path into the pushed-over position (ÜS) for the movable furniture part (2) is enabled.