Advanced Furniture Drive Device: Smart Ejection Mechanism
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for the drive device for moveable furniture parts has limitations in terms of safety, efficiency, and user experience. Specifically, the ejection force storage means can be unreliable, and the lack of real-time monitoring and adjustment of the ejection force can lead to accidents or damage to the furniture. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing advanced ejection mechanisms that provide real-time monitoring and adjustment of the ejection force, redundant ejection force storage means, self-lubricating ejection slides, and modular ejection devices with quick-release mechanisms.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present invention introduces several novel features that distinguish it from the original patent. The integrated sensor for detecting the furniture part's position and velocity, the dynamically adjustable ejection force, the redundant ejection force storage means, the self-lubricating ejection slide, and the modular ejection device with a quick-release mechanism are all new and non-obvious features that provide a significant improvement over the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
The invention can be implemented in various ways, such as using different types of sensors, ejection force storage means, and ejection slides. The modular ejection device can be designed to be compatible with different types of furniture parts, and the quick-release mechanism can be adapted for different types of carriers. Additionally, the invention can be integrated with other systems, such as smart home systems, to provide additional functionality and convenience.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced drive device for moveable furniture parts has significant commercial potential in the furniture industry, particularly in the design and manufacture of high-end furniture. The invention can also be applied to other industries, such as healthcare, where safe and efficient ejection of furniture parts is critical. The target market includes furniture manufacturers, designers, and consumers who value safety, efficiency, and convenience.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mechanical furniture hardware design, specifically drive mechanisms for movable furniture components with focus on drawer ejection systems and force transfer mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with expertise in furniture hardware design, familiar with precision motion control, spring-based actuation systems, and mechanical coupling techniques, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations on the source patent's fundamental drawer ejection mechanism by applying standard engineering design techniques such as sensor integration, force modulation, and modular component design. The core functional principles of the original drive device remain unchanged, with the proposed modifications representing incremental improvements using known technological approaches. These variations would be considered obvious extensions of the existing technical teachings.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,070 |
|---|---|
| Title | Drive device for a moveable furniture part |
| Assignee(s) | JULIUS BLUM GMBH |