Adjustment device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment devices for drawer front panels lack precise control over vertical and angular alignment, often leading to unintended adjustments during operation, particularly when items inside the drawer shift and press against each other.
Innovation Solution
The adjustment device employs two adjustable support portions interacting with counter bearings on eccentric tracks oriented in opposite directions, allowing for stepless adjustment in both directions of the force of gravity, with a self-locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent changes and a rotatable design for simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional vertical adjustment is performed in the rear wall region with the drawer fixed in its front region, then the angular position of the front panel is adjustable, but the design becomes complex and inadvertent adjustment during operation cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device is divided into two independent support portions (first and second support portions) that can be adjusted separately. Each support portion has its own adjusting device with support portions adjustable on eccentric tracks, allowing independent adjustment of the holder and actuating unit. This segmentation enables precise alignment control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element is designed with a tool receiving means accessible from the inside of the drawer, allowing preliminary adjustment to be performed from within the drawer before operation. The latching positions are pre-configured at specific spacings, enabling the user to make precise preliminary adjustments without needing to access the outside of the drawer.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment device allows free adjustment during operation, then operation is simplified, but inadvertent adjustment when items press against the drawer cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element automatically latches into discrete positions without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex controls. The self-latching mechanism engages naturally when the adjusting element reaches a latching position, providing both ease of operation and reliability. The user simply rotates the adjusting element, and it self-locks at the predetermined positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions are designed to interact with counter bearings in a guided manner with specific friction characteristics. The interaction provides sufficient friction to prevent inadvertent adjustment during normal drawer operation when items press against the drawer, but still allows intentional adjustment when the user applies force to the adjusting element. This local quality differentiation between friction zones enables both reliability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stepless adjustment is implemented, then positioning flexibility is improved, but control precision during operation deteriorates due to potential play
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element can rotate continuously for stepless adjustment, providing maximum positioning flexibility. During rotation, the support portions move along the eccentric tracks smoothly. When the adjusting element reaches a latching position, it automatically engages and locks, eliminating play and ensuring positioning precision. This dynamic transition between continuous adjustment and discrete locking resolves the contradiction between flexibility and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching positions are pre-configured at specific spacings along the rotation path of the adjusting element. Before final positioning, the user can make coarse adjustments by rotating through multiple latching positions, then make fine adjustments by rotating to the precise latching position needed. This preliminary coarse adjustment followed by precise latching ensures both flexibility and precision.
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 ensures reliable, precise alignment and operation of the front panel, preventing inadvertent height offsets and allowing for uniform adjustment on both sides of the drawer, while reducing parts and assembly costs through a simplified design and integrated components.
Implementation Method 1
the support portions being adjustable in each case on an eccentric track and as a result of the eccentric tracks being oriented in opposite directions
Implementation Method 2
the support portions interact with the counter bearings in a self-locking manner
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustment device for adjusting the orientation of a front panel of a drawer, having a holder (10) and an adjustment unit (40), wherein the adjustment unit (40) can be adjusted in relation to the holder (10) by means of an adjuster (30). For reliable angle orientation of the front panel of the drawer, the invention makes provision for the adjuster (30) to have two adjustable supporting portions (38, 39), which interact with abutments (10.16, 10.17) such that the adjustment unit (40) can be adjusted with guidance in two opposite directions, that the supporting portions (38, 39) can each be adjusted on an eccentric track, and that the eccentric tracks are oriented in opposite directions.