Drawer Ejector Unlocking with Inclined Contact Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ejection devices for pull-out guides, particularly for drawers, often suffer damage due to forced unlocking, as the filigree components, typically made of plastic, are prone to damage when the unlocking mechanism fails and the drawer is forcibly pulled.
Innovation Solution
The ejection device features a driver with an inclined contact surface relative to the direction of movement, which generates a transverse force when a tensile force is applied, allowing for controlled unlocking and preventing damage by deforming the housing wall, and is guided between elastically bendable walls to absorb forces, with pins for secure guidance and a latching mechanism for controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the unlocking mechanism is made with filigree plastic components, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the reliability decreases and damage occurs during forced unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deformation element (elastic wall section) that acts as a cushioning mechanism before damage can occur. When excessive force is applied during forced unlocking, this element deforms first, absorbing the energy and preventing damage to the critical plastic components. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the filigree plastic parts are protected from overload while maintaining the overall simplicity of the unlocking mechanism.
2Force
If the contact surface is made perpendicular to the direction of movement, then the unlocking force is maximized, but the risk of damage increases during forced unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the contact surface from perpendicular to inclined relative to the direction of movement. This dimensional change in the contact surface geometry creates a mechanical advantage where the inclined surface converts part of the applied force into a lateral component that facilitates unlocking while the deformation element absorbs excessive force, thereby reducing damage risk.
3Manufacturing precision
If the walls of the housing are made rigid, then the guidance of the driver is more precise, but the ability to absorb forces during forced unlocking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the specific wall section containing the contact surface elastic, while the rest of the housing walls remain rigid. This localized elasticity provides the necessary force absorption capacity during forced unlocking, while the overall rigid structure maintains precise guidance of the driver. The selective application of elastic properties resolves the contradiction between rigidity for precision and flexibility for force absorption.
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 ensures reliable and controlled unlocking of the drawer, preventing damage to the ejection device components by distributing the force effectively and allowing for safe operation even under incorrect activation, thereby protecting the delicate components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the opposite walls (40, 41) is designed to be elastically bendable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The ejector has an actuator that is provided with a contact surface. The contact surface is provided at a retainer at a side or a projection of an activator (6). The side is provided opposite to the projection of the activator. The contact surface is formed in relation to a perpendicular plane to the direction of movement of the actuator. The projection is moved out by a pre-determined force on the contact surface by deformation of a wall of housing (4) from the retainer.