Furniture Drive Synchronization Rod Locking for Play-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization devices for actuating devices on furniture often result in unharmonic movement due to loose connections, as screws may not be properly tightened during assembly, leading to unwanted play between synchronization rods and rotatable parts.
Innovation Solution
A releasable locking device is introduced that prevents the synchronization rod from being connected to the fixing device unless intentionally actuated by a user, ensuring a secure and play-free mounting through a locking and release mechanism, which can be manually or tool-actuated, using a handle element or spring-loaded arresting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a screw connection is used to connect the synchronization rod to the rotatable part of the actuating device, then the connection can be made, but the screw may not be tightened properly resulting in unwanted play and unharmonic movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is segmented into a fixing element with a through-opening and a separate locking element that can be inserted through the opening. This separation allows the fixing element to be positioned easily while the locking element ensures secure tightening, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is prepared in advance with a through-opening specifically designed to receive the locking element. This preliminary preparation ensures that when assembly occurs, the locking mechanism is already in place to prevent improper tightening, thereby ensuring connection reliability without compromising ease of manufacture.
2Ease of operation
If the synchronization rod is connected to the actuating device without a locking mechanism, then assembly is simple, but unwanted play remains resulting in unharmonic movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate locking element that can be inserted through the fixing element. This extraction allows the basic fixing structure to remain simple for ease of assembly, while the added locking element provides the necessary stability to eliminate play and ensure harmonic movement.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent improper assembly, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to work in conjunction with the existing fixing element structure. The locking element passes through the through-opening of the fixing element and engages with it, merging the locking function with the existing fixing structure rather than adding a completely separate complex locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a synchronization device for moving a first actuating device in synchronization with at least one second actuating device. The first actuating device and the second actuating device are provided on a piece of furniture in the installed state in order to move a movable furniture part. The device includes a synchronization rod for transferring a synchronous motion of the at least two actuating devices, and at least one fastening device, by which the synchronization rod can be detachably connected to at least one of the two actuating devices. At least one detachable locking device is also provided, which prevents the synchronization rod from being connected to the at least one fastening device in the locked state of the locking device, wherein the locking device is in the locking state without prior actuation by a user.