Drawer Pull-Out Guide Catch Hook Structure for Heavy Load Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer pull-out guides face challenges with catch hooks bending or being insufficiently stable, especially for heavy drawers, and existing solutions fail to adequately compensate for production tolerances and adapt to different drawer sizes.

Innovation Solution

The catch hook is designed with support elements such as ribs or legs that are bent away from the hook section and fixed to the running rail using various methods like windows, screw/nut combinations, clinching, riveting, or welding, allowing for increased stability and adaptability to different drawer sizes and materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the catch hook is made from the same material as the running rail, then the structure is simple, but the catch hook bends under heavy drawer loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidcatch hook strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The catch hook is separated from the running rail as an independent component, allowing it to be manufactured from a different, stronger material. This segmentation enables the catch hook to be optimized for strength while the running rail maintains its original material properties, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and catch hook strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses different materials for the catch hook and running rail. The catch hook is made from a material with higher strength properties (such as hardened steel) compared to the running rail material, creating a composite structure that optimizes each component for its specific functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the catch hook is designed as a separate adjustable element, then height adjustment is possible, but the fixing stability is insufficient for very heavy drawers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidfixing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The catch hook is designed with adjustable height capability, allowing it to adapt to different drawer configurations and panel inclinations. This dynamic adjustability is combined with a robust fixing mechanism that ensures stability for heavy drawers, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a spacer is installed between drawer rear wall and catch hook, then smaller drawers can be accommodated, but production tolerances cannot be compensated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer size adaptabilityVSAvoidtolerance compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The catch hook assembly is designed to be adjustable in position, allowing it to accommodate variations in drawer dimensions and compensate for production tolerances. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to both smaller and larger drawers while maintaining proper alignment and function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If the catch hook is fixed by punching and folding over, then the assembly is simple, but the running rail moves and bends during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidrunning rail stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The catch hook is pre-assembled with its support elements in a stable configuration before being installed on the running rail. This preliminary assembly ensures that the catch hook maintains its structural integrity and does not cause the running rail to bend or warp during the installation process, while still allowing for simple final assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2606766B1Pull-out guide for drawers, with a catch hook
Publication Date: 2015.05.06 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2606766B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1e
  • EP2606766B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~e
  • EP2606766B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3e

AI summary

The pull-out guide has a running rail (1), at which a tail hook is arranged to secure the drawer at the running rail. The hook is formed as a separate fixed element sliding at the running rail. The hook is made of a different material.