Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Adaptive Drive Device for Challenging Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857070_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Drive Device for Challenging Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857070_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857070_0009_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,070.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a drive device for a moveable furniture part, but it lacked adaptability to unique operational environments. This invention addresses the need for specialized drive devices that can operate effectively in challenging scenarios.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel combinations of features that adapt the drive device to specific, high-demand applications. The inventive step lies in the deliberate design choices made to address the unique challenges of each environment, resulting in a family of drive devices that are both specialized and effective.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include drive devices for other niche environments, such as explosive environments or cleanroom applications. Variations could include different materials, geometries, or mechanisms to achieve the desired functionality.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The specialized drive devices have significant commercial potential in various industries, including high-security facilities, disaster relief organizations, outdoor equipment manufacturers, and aerospace companies. The invention's adaptability to unique environments makes it an attractive solution for companies operating in challenging conditions.

Field of Art

Mechanical furniture hardware and drive mechanisms, specifically drawer and movable furniture part actuation systems, with expertise in precision mechanical design, material selection, and functional adaptation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in furniture hardware design, familiar with mechanical coupling systems, force transmission mechanisms, and adaptive design principles for specialized environments

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering adaptations of the source patent's fundamental drive device design. The core mechanical principles of the ejection slide, carrier, and locking mechanism remain consistent, with modifications representing standard design optimization techniques for specific use cases. These variations demonstrate routine problem-solving within the mechanical design domain, applying known engineering strategies to address environmental constraints.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Carrier extending in closing direction with ejection slide mechanism
PTD Variation
Carrier with vibration-dampening mounts and shock-absorbing ejection slide for high-vibration environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding vibration mitigation features represents a known technique for adapting mechanical systems to environmental stress, using standard material science and mechanical engineering principles
Source Patent Element
Locking mechanism integrated with transmission element
PTD Variation
Secondary authentication mechanism integrated with locking element for high-security applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing security through additional authentication represents a predictable design evolution using known access control techniques
Source Patent Element
Ejection device with force storage means
PTD Variation
Adjustable ejection force configuration for disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying force transmission characteristics is a standard design approach for adapting mechanical systems to specific operational requirements
Source Patent Element
Carrier with specific dimensional relationships
PTD Variation
Compact carrier with telescoping ejection slide for confined space applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Miniaturization and space optimization represent routine engineering design choices when adapting mechanisms to spatial constraints
Source Patent Element
Basic drive device structure with ejection mechanism
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant coating and waterproof components for extreme environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying protective coatings and selecting environmental-resistant materials constitutes a standard engineering approach to expanding operational envelopes
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857070, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the technical variations disclosed herein to represent obvious modifications to the fundamental drive device design. The proposed adaptations constitute predictable engineering solutions that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight, thereby rendering potential claims to such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,070
TitleDrive device for a moveable furniture part
Assignee(s)JULIUS BLUM GMBH