Drawer Coupling Device with Adjustable Slider for Latching Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for drawers with narrow metal frames and pull-out runners often result in unreliable latching and undesirable impact noises due to the detent mechanism, which fails to consistently engage the second latching window, leading to play and noise when the drawer is closed.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a hook element and latching mechanism that securely locks the running rail by interacting with a latching window, allowing for fine adjustment of the drawer's position and ensuring the front panel rests securely on the furniture body, using complementary locking means and a spring arrangement to compensate for tolerances and eliminate play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a detent spring with a single latching window is used to lock the drawer to the pull-out guide, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the latching reliability deteriorates and impact noises occur due to inconsistent engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into functionally independent components: a base element attached to the drawer frame, a slide element that moves along the pull-out guide, and a latching element that engages with the latching window. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the slide element's movement compensating for tolerance variations to ensure reliable latching
Solution Approach 2:
The slide element is designed to be movable relative to the base element, allowing dynamic adjustment during the latching process. This movement enables the latching element to compensate for tolerance variations and consistently engage the latching window, eliminating the reliability issues of static detent mechanisms while maintaining simple construction
2Device complexity
If a detent spring mechanism is used for locking, then the structure is simple, but impact noises are generated due to play between components
Solution Approach 1:
The movable slide element dynamically adjusts its position relative to the base element during latching, eliminating play and gaps between components. This dynamic compensation ensures firm engagement with the latching window, preventing impact noises while maintaining a simple mechanical structure without requiring complex damping or preloading mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The latching element is designed to engage the latching window in advance, establishing a pre-loaded connection before the drawer reaches its final position. This preliminary engagement eliminates gaps and prevents impact noises by ensuring continuous contact between components throughout the drawer's movement range
3Reliability
If the coupling device locks the running rail, then the drawer is secured to the pull-out guide, but the front panel cannot rest securely on the furniture body due to play
Solution Approach 1:
The movable slide element provides dynamic compensation for tolerance variations, allowing the latching element to consistently engage the latching window with firm contact. This eliminates play in the locked position, ensuring the drawer is securely attached to the pull-out guide and the front panel rests securely on the furniture body without movement or noise
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device uses the drawer's own movement during closing to automatically compensate for tolerances. As the drawer is pushed in, the slide element moves relative to the base element, self-adjusting to eliminate gaps and ensure the latching element firmly engages the latching window, securing both the drawer and front panel 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
The solution provides a robust and secure locking mechanism that minimizes play and noise, ensuring the drawer is locked without movement and the front panel rests firmly on the furniture body, effectively addressing the reliability and noise issues of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arrangement (107) which engages in at least one undercut (106a, 106b) of the base element (104)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A coupling device (100) for attaching and locking a drawer (2) on a pull-out guide (6), wherein the drawer (2) has at least one base (4), a sidewall (3) on each of the sides thereof and a fascia panel (5) on the front thereof and wherein the pull-out guide (6) has at least one body rail (7) and at least one running rail (7), wherein the pull-out guide (6) is fastened via the running rail to a furniture part (1) and a free end of the running rail (7) is surrounded by a hook element (101) of the coupling device (100), wherein the hook element (101 ) is formed on a slider (121) of the coupling device (100) and wherein a latching lug (102) of a latching element (103), which is movably mounted on the slider (121), engages in a latching window (9) of the running rail (7) when the drawer (2) is pushed onto the pull-out guide (6) so that the running rail (7) is locked on the drawer (2) as a result of the interaction between the hook element (101) and the latching element (103), is characterised in that the slider (121) can be displaced relative to a base element (104) of the coupling device (100), wherein the base element (104) is attached to the sidewall (3), and the slider (121) and the base element (104) have complementary fixing means such that the base element and the slider can be fixed relative to each other in different positions. The invention also describes a drawer (2) and a piece of furniture having a corresponding drawer (2).