Drawer Drive Mechanism Using One Spring for Ejection and Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for movable furniture parts, such as drawers, require separate and costly structural units for ejection and retraction functions, complicating the stressing of springs and increasing component complexity.
Innovation Solution
A drive device that combines ejection and retraction functions using a single spring, which acts as both a lockable and unlockable spring-loaded ejection device and a spring-loaded retraction device, simplifying the stressing process by utilizing a single stressing travel for both functions and reducing the number of components required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate structural units are provided for ejection device and retraction device, then both functions can be performed independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ejection device and retraction device into a single integrated structural unit. The spring mechanism serves dual purposes: it provides ejection force to propel the drawer outward and retraction force to pull the drawer inward during closing. This merging eliminates the need for separate structural units while maintaining both functions, thereby reducing device complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions within a single structural unit. The same spring and housing structure provide both ejection and retraction capabilities, making the device universal in its functionality. This multi-functionality approach allows the drive device to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices.
2Reliability
If separate springs are used for ejection and retraction, then each function can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single spring instead of two separate springs for ejection and retraction. This spring is integrated into a unified housing structure that allows it to serve both functions. By combining the spring mechanisms, the patent simplifies the stressing process during manufacturing, as only one spring needs to be installed and configured rather than coordinating multiple springs with different specifications.
3Device complexity
If a single spring is used for both ejection and retraction, then the number of components is reduced, but the spring must handle conflicting force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic design where the spring's force direction and magnitude change based on the drawer's position and movement phase. During ejection, the spring expands to provide outward force; during retraction, the spring is compressed to provide inward pulling force. The mechanism dynamically transitions between these states through the drawer's movement, allowing a single spring to handle conflicting force requirements effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism utilizes parameter changes in its operational characteristics. The spring's force output varies depending on its compression or expansion state, and the mechanism leverages these parameter changes to switch between ejection and retraction modes. By controlling the spring's physical state (compressed vs. expanded), the system adapts the force parameters to match the required function at any given moment.
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 allows for a compact, efficient, and cost-effective implementation of both ejection and retraction movements using a single spring, reducing the complexity and space required for the drive device while ensuring smooth and gentle operation.
Implementation Method 1
the same spring spring-loads the drive device both in its function as an ejection device and also in its function as a retraction device
Implementation Method 2
the movable furniture part is ejected from the furniture carcass in the opening direction by a force storage means being released
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device for moving a movable furniture part, in particular a drawer, said drive device acting as a latching and unlatching spring-loaded ejection device for ejecting the furniture part from a closed position in the opening direction and as a spring-loaded refraction device for retracting the furniture part into the closed position. The same spring spring-loads the drive device both when the latter acts as an ejection device and when the drive device acts as a refraction device.