Viscous Damping Furniture Hinge Braking Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking devices for furniture hinges are complex to assemble and require special operations or devices, especially when introducing a fluid braking medium, and are not compact enough for easy mounting on furniture parts.

Innovation Solution

A rotary braking device using a viscous medium interposed between coaxially mounted components with a unidirectional freewheel coupling mechanism, allowing easy assembly and integration into furniture hinges, utilizing elastically yielding materials and a containment body for secure mounting without additional seals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional braking devices are used, then braking function is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and requires special assembly operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the braking medium containment and the coupling mechanism into a single integrated component. The braking device comprises a first component, a second component, and a containment body that are assembled together to form a unified braking assembly, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations for introducing the braking medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the first component is received within the containment body, and the second component is received within the first component. This nesting arrangement allows the braking medium to be contained within the nested components without requiring additional seals or complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If traditional braking devices are used, then braking function is achieved, but mounting time and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting speedVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The braking medium is pre-contained within the nested components during manufacturing, eliminating the need for special assembly operations or devices during installation. The containment body is designed to hold the braking medium in place before installation, allowing for quick mounting without additional steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastically yielding material in the second component automatically seals and secures the braking medium within the nested structure during assembly. The material's elasticity provides self-sealing and self-retention functions, eliminating the need for additional sealing components or complex fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If compact design is implemented, then mounting ease is improved, but structural simplicity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidstructural simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a nested arrangement where components are received within one another in a compact configuration. The first component is received within the containment body, and the second component is received within the first component, creating a space-efficient design that maintains structural clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The second component is made of elastically yielding material, which allows it to deform and seal within the nested structure. This flexible material enables compact mounting while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity through its adaptive sealing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides a structurally simple, compact, and easily mountable braking device that effectively slows down the closing movement of furniture hinges without requiring special assembly operations or devices, ensuring stability and ease of installation.

Implementation Method 1

a first component (11) and a second component (12), which are mounted inside one another in a movable manner with respect to each other around the rotation axis A with the interposition of a viscous medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 2

the second component (12) is elastically yielding, is held tight on the first component (11) and is directly or indirectly coupled to the housing seat (15) in a fixed manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3404182B1Braking device for the braked movement of parts of furniture or of parts of furniture accessories and furniture accessory comprising such braking device
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 ADELCHI FERRARI SPA
  • EP3404182B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3404182B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3404182B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A braking device (10) for the braked movement of parts of furniture or furniture accessories, wherein such parts are movable relative to one another, the braking device (10) comprises a first component (11) and a second component (12) that are mounted one inside the other movably with respect to each other around a common rotation axis (A), a viscous medium interposed between the first component (11) and the second component (12), an actuation element (13) adapted to be directly or indirectly actuated by one of the two parts of furniture or furniture accessories and which is integrally coupled in rotation to the first component (11) at least in the direction of rotation of the first component (11) with respect to the second component (12) that must have the braked movement, a containment body (14) which can be fixed to one of the two parts of furniture or furniture accessories and in which a housing seat (15) is formed, in which the assembly comprising at least the second component (12) and the first component (11) is accommodated, wherein the second component (12) is elastically yielding, is held tightened on the first component (11) and is directly or indirectly connected to the housing seat (15) fixed in rotation with respect to the rotation axis (A).