Adaptive Furniture Drive System: Smart Ejection Tech
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original drive device for moveable furniture parts, as described in the original patent, lacks adaptability to varying furniture part properties and sizes, resulting in inefficient and potentially damaging ejection forces. This new invention addresses this limitation by introducing an adaptive force adjustment mechanism, sensor array, and control unit, enabling real-time optimization of ejection force and movement trajectory.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The introduction of an adaptive force adjustment mechanism, sensor array, and control unit enables real-time optimization of ejection force and movement trajectory, making the drive device more efficient, intelligent, and adaptable to varying furniture part properties. This represents a significant departure from the original patent's fixed ejection force design, providing a novel and non-obvious solution to the problem of inefficient ejection forces.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include different sensor array configurations, adaptive force adjustment mechanisms, or control unit algorithms. Additionally, the invention could be applied to various types of moveable furniture parts, such as shelves, cabinets, or drawers.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive furniture drive system has significant commercial potential in the furniture industry, particularly in the context of smart homes, offices, and public spaces. The system's ability to optimize ejection force and movement trajectory could lead to increased efficiency, reduced damage, and improved user experience, making it an attractive solution for furniture manufacturers and consumers alike.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mechanical furniture hardware design, specifically drive mechanisms for moveable furniture components with focus on ejection and sliding mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with expertise in furniture hardware design, familiar with actuator systems, force transmission mechanisms, and adaptive control technologies for mechanical components
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that adding sensor-based adaptive force control to a furniture drive mechanism represents a predictable extension of existing mechanical design principles. The core ejection mechanism remains fundamentally unchanged, with the primary innovation being the introduction of real-time sensing and dynamic force adjustment. Such adaptive control strategies are well-established in mechanical engineering and represent a logical progression of existing drive device technologies.
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 |