Sliding Leaf Mechanism With Articulated Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding leaf mechanisms in furniture are limited by end-stops, resulting in restricted opening strokes and increased friction due to toothed wheel meshing, leading to noisy and unsatisfactory movement.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with a rotatable arm and hinged segments allows the support point to move parallel to the leaf's sliding direction, enabling increased opening stroke and reducing friction through the use of rotating arms and wheels, enhancing stability and smoothness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the L-shaped arm is extended to increase the horizontal stroke of the leaf, then the opening stroke is improved, but the closing stroke deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static L-shaped arm with a dynamic articulated mechanism comprising multiple movable links (first link, second link, third link) connected by rotatable joints. This allows the support point to move dynamically during the leaf's opening and closing cycles, enabling the mechanism to adapt its geometry to provide sufficient opening stroke while maintaining adequate closing stroke capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single L-shaped arm into multiple segmented links (first link with support point, second link, third link) connected by rotatable joints. This segmentation allows each link to contribute differently to the overall motion, enabling the support point to traverse a larger horizontal distance during opening while preserving the ability to return effectively during closing.
2Ease of operation
If toothed wheels mesh on the rack to move the L-shaped arm, then the mechanism achieves controlled movement, but noise and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rack and toothed wheel meshing mechanism with a pure rotational linkage system. The articulated arms move through rotatable joints without any gear or rack engagement, eliminating the meshing action that generates noise and friction while maintaining controlled movement through the geometric constraints of the linkage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the toothed wheels and rack from the mechanism entirely, extracting the harmful meshing element while preserving the essential function of controlled arm movement through the alternative rotational linkage system.
3Device complexity
If the support point is fixed on the leaf, then the mechanism structure is simplified, but the opening stroke is limited by the end-stop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the support point dynamic by attaching it to the first link of the articulated mechanism rather than fixing it directly to the leaf. As the articulated mechanism moves through its range of motion, the support point naturally displaces horizontally, extending the effective opening stroke without adding excessive complexity to the overall structure.
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 mechanism allows for greater compartment opening, reduces noise and friction, and increases the stability and rigidity of the sliding leaf system, overcoming the limitations of prior art by dynamically adjusting the support point and eliminating the need for toothed wheel meshing.
Implementation Method 1
the segment comprises a wheel or rolling element mounted on said free end, the leaf or a guide mounted on the leaf being able to slide on the rolling element
Implementation Method 2
the rotatable arm comprises a segment or part adapted to be parallel to the leafs sliding direction when the leaf is moved to uncover the compartment, and the arm is hinged to the compartment about—in use—a vertical axis
Implementation Method 3
the segment is hinged to the rotatable arm so as to be able to rotate to arrange itself parallel to the latter
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism is described for leaves of a furniture item (10).The furniture item comprises a compartment (V), a sliding leaf (22, 24) to close/uncover the compartment, a mechanism (40) mounted inside the compartment to support the leaf during a horizontal movement in order to uncover the compartment. The mechanism has a support point (48, 58) on the leaf when the leaf is moved to uncover the compartment, wherein the point is displaceable with respect to the furniture item along a direction parallel to the sliding of the leaf, said point being comprised in a rigid element (46, 56) constrained to the compartment.