Drawer Drive Layout With In-Track Synchronization and Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for movable furniture parts, such as drawers, are relatively wide due to the placement of synchronization teeth and energy accumulators next to the guide track, which occupies unnecessary space and complicates the design.
Innovation Solution
A drive device design where the synchronization coupling element and ejection force accumulator are arranged within the guide track's width, allowing for a narrower construction with the transmission element linearly movable in the closing direction, and other components can be placed outside these boundaries, optimizing space usage and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the synchronizing teeth and energy accumulators are placed laterally next to the guide track, then the drive device can accommodate all necessary components, but the overall width of the drive device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronizing coupling element and ejection force storage device into a single integrated transmission element. This transmission element is linearly movable within the guide track width, combining multiple functions (synchronization and energy storage) into one component that occupies the same spatial envelope, thereby reducing the overall drive device width while maintaining all necessary functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a lateral arrangement (perpendicular to the guide track) to a longitudinal arrangement (within the guide track width). By repositioning the synchronizing coupling element and ejection force storage device along the closing direction within the existing guide track width, the design eliminates the need for additional lateral space, effectively using the available dimensional space more efficiently.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the web on the actuating element is made wider to accommodate energy storage devices, then the energy storage function is improved, but the overall width of the actuating element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection force storage device is merged with the actuating element to form an integrated transmission element. The energy storage function is incorporated within the existing actuating element structure, specifically utilizing the space within the guide track width, thereby eliminating the need for a wider web design while maintaining adequate energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection force storage device is nested within the transmission element structure, which itself moves within the guide track. This nested arrangement allows the energy storage device to be contained within the existing dimensional envelope of the actuating element, avoiding any increase in overall width while preserving the energy storage function.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for synchronization and ejection functions, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the synchronizing coupling element and ejection force storage device into a single transmission element. This merged component performs both synchronization (through its coupling teeth that engage with the guide track) and ejection (through the integrated energy storage device), thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining functional optimization for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides synchronization capabilities (via its coupling mechanism with the guide track) and ejection force storage (via the integrated energy storage device). This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions that would traditionally require separate specialized components.
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 design results in a more compact and simplified drive device that is narrower than previous designs, with the synchronization coupling element and ejection force accumulator fully contained within the guide track's width, enhancing space efficiency and ease of production.
Implementation Method 1
ejection force storage device (42) arranged within this guide track width
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Drive device (1) for a movable furniture part (2), in particular for a drawer, comprising: - a carrier (3) extending in the closing direction (SR) of the movable furniture part (2); - an ejection device (4) for ejecting the movable furniture part (2) from a closed position (SS) into an open position (OS), wherein the ejection device (4) has an ejection slide (41) movable relative to the carrier (3) and an ejection force storage device (42) attached on one side to the carrier (3) and on the other side to the ejection slide (41), wherein the ejection device (4) can be unlocked from a locked position (VS) by an overpressure movement of the movable furniture part (2) into an overpressure position (ÜS) located behind the closed position (SS); - a locking device (5) for locking the ejection device (4) in the locked position (VS).wherein the locking device (5) has a locking pin (51) connected to the ejection device (4) and a guide track (52) for the locking pin (51) formed at least partially in or on the carrier (3), wherein the locking pin (51) is locked in a detent recess (R) of the guide track (52) in the locking position (VS), and a synchronizing device (6) for synchronizing the movement of the drive device (1) with a second drive device (1'), wherein the synchronizing device (6) has a transmission element (60) movably mounted on the carrier (3) and movable by the locking pin (51) and a synchronizing coupling element (63) connected to the transmission element (60), wherein the guide track (52) has a maximum guide track width (Bmax) measured perpendicular to the closing direction (SR),wherein, viewed in the closing direction (SR), the synchronization coupling element (63) and the ejection force storage device (42) are arranged within this guide track width (Bmax), wherein the endpoints of the maximum guide track width (Bmax) are each arranged in a boundary plane which are oriented perpendicular to the maximum guide track width (Bmax), wherein the boundary planes are arranged parallel to each other, wherein the synchronization coupling element (63) and the ejection force storage device (42) are arranged entirely between these boundary planes, wherein the transmission element (60) is linearly movable in the closing direction (SR).