Retraction or ejection device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retraction or ejection devices for movable furniture parts lack flexibility in adapting to varying weights and installation depths, as they typically have limited adjustment options due to rigid guide tracks and fixed spring forces.

Innovation Solution

A retraction or ejection device with a guide track featuring an adjustable linear section and an angled parking section, where the linear section is composed of two parts that can be adjusted relative to each other, allowing for the length of the guideway to be changed, and the force accumulator's force can also be adjusted, enabling flexible adaptation to different weights and installation depths without structural modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the guide track is made rigid and fixed, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different weights and installation depths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different weights and installation depths
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide track is divided into multiple segments that can be adjusted relative to each other. The linear section consists of at least two parts that can be positioned at different distances from the parking section, allowing the overall length and configuration of the guide track to be adapted to different installation depths and furniture weights while maintaining structural integrity through controlled segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the linear section of the guideway is made adjustable, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of guideway lengthVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide track transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable configuration. The linear section can be repositioned along the guide track to change the travel path length of the driver, enabling the device to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring complete structural redesign or complex modification mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for a significant adjustment of the travel path of the driver, either shortening or lengthening it by up to 60%, and allows for stepless adjustment of the force applied, enhancing the device's ability to accommodate various furniture weights and depths, thereby improving its operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a driver (7) which is pretensioned by an energy accumulator (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy accumulation: Accumulator (energy)

Implementation Method 2

In particular, the energy store (8) is formed by a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3945936B1Retraction or ejection device
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3945936B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945936B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3945936B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A retraction or ejection device (4), in particular for a movable furniture part, comprises a housing (5) on which there is formed at least one guide track for a movable driver (7) which is preloaded by an energy store (8), wherein the at least one guide track has a linear portion (11, 55, 56) and an angled park portion (14, 15) on which the driver (7) can be locked when the energy store (8) is tensioned, wherein the linear portion (11, 55, 56) of the guide track is formed from at least two parts which are adjustable relative to one another for setting the length of the linear portion (11, 55, 56) of the guide track.