Drawer Guide Parallel Spring Assembly for Uniform Retraction Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out guides for furniture lack uniform force-path curves during drawer operation, leading to uneven handling and operation characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of a tension spring and a spiral spring connected in parallel, where the spiral spring has opposing spring characteristics to complement the force-path curve of the tension spring, ensuring a more uniform and constant pull-in or pull-out force throughout the drawer's path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single spring arrangement is used in the pull-out guide, then the structure is simple, but the force-path curve is non-uniform leading to uneven handling characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different spring arrangements (first spring and second spring) in parallel within the same retraction device. The first spring provides initial retraction force while the second spring supplements it, creating a combined force-path curve that is more uniform than either spring alone. This merging of multiple spring systems resolves the contradiction by achieving better operational uniformity through increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the spring characteristics by introducing a second spring with different parameters (spring constant, arrangement geometry) to complement the first spring. By adjusting these parameters, the force-path curve is optimized to provide more uniform handling characteristics throughout the drawer's retraction path, transforming the non-uniform force profile into a more consistent one.
2Ease of operation
If multiple springs with different characteristics are connected in parallel, then the force-path curve becomes more uniform, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spring arrangement into two distinct functional components: a first spring for providing base retraction force and a second spring for supplementing and modifying the force-path characteristics. This segmentation allows each spring to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve overall uniformity, managing the complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite spring system where two different spring types (with different characteristics) are combined in parallel. This composite arrangement produces a combined force-path curve that leverages the strengths of both individual springs, achieving superior operational uniformity that neither spring could provide alone, while the complexity is managed through the synergistic combination.
3Ease of operation
If the retraction force varies significantly along the retraction path, then the spring structure can be simpler, but the movement behavior becomes less favorable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and adjusts the parameters of both springs (spring constants, pre-loads, geometric arrangements) to achieve a more constant combined retraction force along the retraction path. By optimizing these parameters, the force variation is minimized, providing favorable movement behavior throughout the drawer's travel while managing the complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
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 configuration results in a more uniform force-path curve, enhancing the operating characteristics by maintaining a consistent or increasing pull-in force, thereby improving the drawer's movement behavior and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The first spring (8) is a helical spring which acts as a tension or compression spring when the furniture pull-out part is retracted
Implementation Method 2
The second spring (9) is designed as a spiral spring that acts as a tension or compression spring when the furniture pull-out part is retracted
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drawer guide for a furniture drawer component, in particular for a drawer for furniture in the form of a cabinet, comprising a drawer guide for supporting and guiding the furniture drawer component, by means of which the furniture drawer component can be pulled out over a predefined drawer path, wherein the drawer guide has a retraction device (6) having a spring assembly (7) for retracting the furniture drawer component at least over a part of the drawer path, wherein the spring assembly has at least two springs connected parallel to one another having different characteristic spring curves.