Three-Section Folding Flap for Large Furniture Fronts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding flaps with two partial flaps are not suitable for covering large furniture or entire areas due to bulkiness, protrusion into the room, and high weight, making them difficult to open with conventional lifting devices.
Innovation Solution
A folding flap constructed with at least three partial flaps, where the first flap is pivotably mounted via articulated levers, and the second and third flaps are connected by hinges, with the third flap movable via an adjusting device using guide tracks and a belt drive for easier operation, allowing for a space-saving and efficient opening and closing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a folding flap with two partial flaps is used, then the structure is simple, but the folding flap becomes bulky and protrudes far into the room when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The folding flap is divided into three partial flaps instead of two, with each partial flap being smaller in individual size. This segmentation allows the flaps to be arranged in a compact configuration when folded, reducing the overall volume occupied while maintaining structural functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions by positioning the three partial flaps at different angles and heights. When folded, the flaps are arranged to occupy vertical and lateral space efficiently, minimizing the horizontal protrusion into the room while still providing adequate coverage.
2Device complexity
If a folding flap with two partial flaps is used, then the structure is simple, but the weight becomes great making it difficult to open
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the folding flap into three smaller partial flaps reduces the weight of each individual flap segment. This segmentation distributes the total weight across multiple lighter components, making the overall structure easier to manipulate and open, particularly when combined with lifting devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different characteristics to different parts of the folding flap system. The three partial flaps can have varying sizes, materials, or reinforcement levels optimized for their specific positions and functions, allowing weight distribution to be optimized locally rather than uniformly across the entire structure.
3Area of stationary object
If the folding flap width is increased to cover large areas, then the coverage area increases, but the force required to open it increases beyond what lifting devices can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The large folding flap is segmented into three smaller partial flaps, each with reduced individual weight and force requirements. This segmentation allows the total coverage area to be maintained while distributing the opening force across multiple smaller segments, making it feasible to use with conventional lifting devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates articulated levers and hinges that provide mechanical advantage during the opening and closing motion. The dynamic movement mechanism allows the flaps to be opened with reduced force by utilizing leverage and motion paths that minimize the peak force required, enabling large area coverage with manageable force requirements.
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
Enables the covering of large areas with reduced space requirements and facilitates easier operation by distributing the weight and force required for opening and closing, making it suitable for large furniture and entire kitchen areas.
Implementation Method 1
the first partial flap is connected to the furniture body via articulated levers. The relative pivotability of the second partial flap in relation to the first partial flap and of the third partial flap in relation to the second partial flap is achieved in that these partial flaps are connected to one another by hinges
Implementation Method 2
A belt drive, for example, can be used as a drive
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a furniture item (1) having a furniture body (2) and a folding flap (3), wherein the folding flap (3) comprises at least three sub-flaps (3a, 3b, 3c) arranged one above the other. A first sub-flap (3a) is pivotally mounted relative to the furniture body (2), a second sub-flap (3b) is pivotally mounted with respect to the first sub-flap (3a) and a third sub-flap (3c) is pivotally mounted relative to the second sub-flap (3b).