Concealed Drawer Ejection Switching for Easier Inner Pull-Out Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture designs with interior pull-outs lack operational convenience due to the need to manually open the front pull-out first, which is aesthetically and space-constrained, and often requires overcoming spring resistance, making it difficult to access internal pull-outs, especially when they are positioned below a traverse or under additional interior pull-outs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a switching element that couples and decouples ejection devices between the front and internal pull-outs, allowing independent control of drawer movements, with optional mechanical or electrical coupling, and the use of drive devices like springs or electric motors to facilitate drawer opening, along with damping devices to prevent jerking, and a control device for selective activation and movement control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the front pull-out is designed with a larger front panel to cover the internal pull-out, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the internal pull-out becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection device is pre-loaded with energy (spring compression or motor readiness) so that when activated, it automatically performs the action of ejecting the internal pull-out without requiring manual intervention. This preliminary preparation allows the system to overcome the accessibility problem while maintaining the aesthetic front panel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's activation input and the internal pull-out. Instead of directly reaching behind the front panel, the user activates the ejection device which then mediates the opening action, making the internal pull-out accessible without compromising the front panel's aesthetic coverage.
2Reliability
If the internal pull-out is equipped with a locking mechanism to secure it in the closed position, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased resistance when opening
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection device merges the function of overcoming locking resistance with the drawer ejection function. The same force-generating mechanism that ejects the drawer also overcomes the locking mechanism's resistance, combining two functions into one integrated system rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection device is pre-loaded with sufficient energy (spring compression or motor power) to not only eject the drawer but also to overcome the locking mechanism's holding force. This preliminary energy storage ensures that the drawer can be reliably opened despite the locking mechanism's resistance.
3Ease of operation
If separate ejection devices are provided for each drawer to enable independent operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into separate ejection devices for each drawer, allowing independent control of the front pull-out and internal pull-out. This segmentation enables users to open only the drawer they need without necessarily opening all drawers, improving operational flexibility despite the increased number of components.
4Productivity
If the internal pull-out is positioned below a traverse or under additional interior pull-outs for space efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection device serves as an intermediary that enables access to the internal pull-out without requiring the user to physically reach behind the front panel or navigate around obstructions. The ejection mechanism translates a simple activation input into the complex motion needed to extract the internal pull-out from its concealed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection device is pre-positioned and pre-loaded to automatically perform the extraction action when activated, eliminating the need for manual reaching or manipulation behind the front panel. This preliminary preparation of the ejection mechanism makes the concealed internal pull-out accessible despite its difficult-to-reach position.
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 enhances operational convenience by allowing the internal pull-out to be opened without reaching behind it, enabling independent control of drawer movements, reducing manual effort, and providing various activation options through a control device, thus simplifying the operation of furniture with multiple pull-outs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ejection device has a drive device, preferably at least one spring or at least one electric motor, by which an ejection element for ejecting the drawer is or can be acted upon
Implementation Method 2
it can also be advantageous to dampen the relative movement between the ejection device and the drawer or its guide rails by means of a damping device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a piece of furniture (1) with a furniture body (2) and a first and at least one second drawer (3, 4), displaceable relative to the furniture body (2), the front panel (3') of the first drawer (3) essentially completely covering the front panel (4') or front wall of the second drawer (4) in the closed position for both drawers (3, 4), characterised in that the first and the at least one second drawer (3, 4) comprise an opening device (9, 9') for displacing the drawers (3, 4) from a closed position to an open position and a switch element (13) is provided between both opening devices (9, 9') which couples both opening devices (9, 9') in a first switch position and uncouples the same in a second switch position.