Touch-Latch Furniture Ejection for Smooth Energy Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture designs with touch-latch mechanisms require users to apply additional pressure near the closed position to load the energy accumulator, leading to an unsatisfactory closing experience due to incomplete loading of the energy accumulator during the closure path.
Innovation Solution
The design moves the ejection element beyond the first open position, allowing the energy accumulator to be loaded during the closing motion, ensuring a smooth closure by initiating the loading process at the start of the closing movement, with the ejection element in constant contact with the accumulator, utilizing auxiliary actuators and magnetic forces to facilitate this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ejection element contacts the movable furniture part only between the closed end position and the first open position, then the ejection device can be simpler, but the energy accumulator cannot be fully loaded during the closing path
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection element is extended beyond the first open position during the opening process, so that when closing begins, the ejection element is already positioned to contact the movable furniture part throughout the entire closing path, allowing the energy accumulator to be loaded in advance and fully during closure
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling element is introduced as an intermediary between the ejection element and the movable furniture part. This coupling element transfers the contact force from the ejection element to the movable furniture part, enabling the energy accumulator to be loaded smoothly throughout the closing path while managing the complexity of the extended mechanism
2Reliability
If the ejection element is moved beyond the first open position, then the energy accumulator loading is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is nested within the ejection device structure, integrated into the existing mechanism. The coupling element fits within the housing and interacts with the ejection element through predetermined geometric relationships, allowing the extended functionality to be achieved without adding significant external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection element is given rotational freedom in addition to its linear movement, allowing it to extend beyond the first open position in a controlled manner. This additional degree of freedom is managed through the coupling element's geometric constraints, converting a potentially complex multi-dimensional problem into a manageable mechanism
3Ease of operation
If the ejection element remains in contact with the movable furniture part throughout the closing path, then the closure becomes smooth, but the force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical contact between the ejection element and the movable furniture part is replaced with indirect contact through the coupling element. This substitution allows the force to be distributed and managed more efficiently, reducing the peak closing force required while maintaining continuous contact for smooth energy accumulator loading
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as a force-distributing intermediary between the ejection element and the movable furniture part. It transfers the contact force in a controlled manner, spreading the loading action throughout the closing path and reducing the instantaneous force requirement compared to direct contact
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
This approach allows for a smooth and quiet closing motion by ensuring the energy accumulator is fully loaded before reaching the closed position, reducing the force required and enhancing the user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the means include at least a first part arranged on the movable furniture part and at least a second part arranged on the ejection element such that they exert a magnetic attractive force on one another
Data Source
AI summary
An item of furniture includes a furniture body, a furniture part which is displaceably received in or on the furniture body, and an ejection device having at least one ejection element for displacing the movable furniture part from a closed position into a first open position. At least one lockable drive device is provided for driving the at least one ejection element. A means is provided for displacing the at least one ejection element beyond the first open position.