Adjustment device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern drawers require precise adjustment of the front panel's alignment and inclination relative to the furniture body, with a need for a reliable and simple adjustment mechanism that prevents unintentional changes in the angular position, especially when objects inside the drawer press against the front panel.

Innovation Solution

The adjustment device features two adjustable support sections interacting with counter bearings on eccentric tracks, allowing for stepless adjustment in both directions relative to gravity, with self-locking mechanisms to prevent unintentional displacement, and a tool holder accessible from inside the drawer for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single support section is used for height adjustment, then the structure is simpler, but the drawer cannot be reliably adjusted in both directions relative to gravity and may unintentionally move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of adjustment positionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support mechanism is divided into two separate support sections (first and second support sections) that work in opposite directions relative to gravity. Each support section has its own eccentric track and counter bearing, allowing independent adjustment in opposite directions. This segmentation provides reliable bidirectional adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the adjustment device allows free movement for easy operation, then operation is simpler, but unintentional adjustment occurs when objects press against the drawer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidstability of adjustment position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device incorporates self-locking mechanisms through the eccentric track and counter bearing interaction. When the drawer is adjusted to a desired position, the eccentric mechanism naturally locks in place due to the geometric constraints of the eccentric track, preventing unintentional movement from objects pressing against the drawer. The operator simply needs to rotate the adjustment element, and the system automatically maintains the set position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If stepless adjustment is implemented, then adjustment precision is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eccentric tracks are designed with curved geometries that enable stepless adjustment of the drawer's height and inclination. As the adjustment element rotates, the eccentric mechanism follows the curved path of the eccentric track, providing continuous position adjustment rather than discrete steps. This curved mechanism achieves high precision alignment while maintaining relatively simple construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 solution ensures reliable and precise alignment and inclination adjustments of the front panel, preventing unintentional height offsets and simplifying operation while reducing assembly complexity and parts requirements.

Implementation Method 1

the support sections can each be adjusted on an eccentric track

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Excentric

Implementation Method 2

it can also be provided that the support sections interact with the counter bearings in a self-locking manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3197318B1Adjustment device
Publication Date: 2021.02.03 SAMET KALIP & MADEN ESYA SAN & TIC A S
  • EP3197318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3197318B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3197318B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an adjustment device for adjusting the orientation of a front panel of a drawer, having a holder (10) and an adjustment unit (40), wherein the adjustment unit (40) can be adjusted in relation to the holder (10) by means of an adjuster (30). For reliable angle orientation of the front panel of the drawer, the invention makes provision for the adjuster (30) to have two adjustable supporting portions (38, 39), which interact with abutments (10.16, 10.17) such that the adjustment unit (40) can be adjusted with guidance in two opposite directions, that the supporting portions (38, 39) can each be adjusted on an eccentric track, and that the eccentric tracks are oriented in opposite directions.