Universal Drive Device for Cupboard Flap Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cupboard flap fittings are cumbersome to open and close, and current electric drive solutions are often custom-designed and costly, limiting their applicability and retrofitting possibilities due to specific matching requirements.
Innovation Solution
A universal drive device for cupboard flap fittings, featuring a lever coupling element that can be mounted on either side of the furniture body, with adjustable pivoting range and remote control capabilities, allowing for use with various fittings and easy retrofitting, while protecting components from environmental influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a custom-designed electric drive is individually matched to each fitting part, then the drive performance is optimized for specific applications, but the manufacturing costs increase and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device is designed with a universal mounting structure that can be attached to different sides of the furniture body (left or right) and accommodates various fitting types through adjustable limit switches and a standardized coupling element interface. This allows a single drive design to serve multiple fitting applications rather than requiring custom-designed drives for each specific fitting type.
2Reliability
If a custom-designed electric drive is individually matched to each fitting part, then the drive performance is optimized for specific applications, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device employs standardized components including a universal motor unit, standardized housing, and adjustable limit switches that can accommodate different fitting types. This standardization enables mass production of a single drive design rather than custom manufacturing for each fitting application, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining adequate performance across different applications.
3Reliability
If the coupling element is fixed inside the housing, then the components are protected from environmental influences, but the ease of assembly and adjustment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is designed with a dynamic interface that allows it to pass through the housing during assembly and operation, rather than being permanently fixed inside. The housing includes a through-opening that enables the coupling element to extend outward for connection to the fitting while still providing protective coverage. This dynamic design maintains protection benefits while enabling easy assembly and adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive system for a fitting, in particular a flap hinge for cupboards, has a housing (50) that can be secured to the body of a piece of furniture. An electric motor (38) provided on or in the housing (50) drives by means of gears (32) a coupling element (30) linked to a portion (7) of the fitting. The coupling element (30) is centrally arranged in the housing (50), in a direction perpendicular to the plane of motion of the portion (7) of the fitting. The drive system can be mounted on opposite sides of the body of a piece of furniture for driving a flap hinge (1).