Drawer Pull-Out Guide With Vertical Self-Closing Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pull-out runner systems for drawers face challenges in integrating a self-closing mechanism without increasing space requirements, leading to stiffness issues and protrusion from the guide assembly, as well as requiring longer, more expensive rails and limiting compact designs.

Innovation Solution

The self-closing mechanism and driver are positioned vertically between the cabinet and drawer rails, with the self-closing housing bearing against a horizontal rail, allowing a tiltable coupling element to engage vertically, thereby transferring forces to the rail for enhanced load absorption and compact integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the self-closing mechanism is arranged horizontally next to the rail guide package, then the self-closing mechanism can be integrated into the system, but additional space is required next to the rail guide package, increasing the overall footprint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of self-closing mechanismVSAvoidspace requirement next to rail guide package

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The self-closing mechanism is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement within the space between the cabinet rail and drawer rail. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to utilize vertical space that would otherwise be unused, eliminating the need for additional horizontal space next to the rail guide package.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the self-closing mechanism is arranged between the drawer and cabinet rails with horizontal release kinematics, then the mechanism is integrated into the rail guide package, but the self-closing housing must be relatively stiff and often protrudes laterally from the guide assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration into rail guide packageVSAvoidstiffness and lateral protrusion of self-closing housing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release kinematics are changed from horizontal to vertical movement. The coupling element now moves vertically between engaged and disengaged positions rather than horizontally, which eliminates lateral protrusion and reduces the stiffness requirements of the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the coupling element moving horizontally relative to the housing, the housing itself moves vertically relative to the coupling element. This inversion of the reference frame simplifies the housing design and eliminates the need for complex lateral force absorption structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the self-closing mechanism is arranged in the body or drawer rail, then the mechanism can be integrated, but the rail cannot then be used as a guide track, requiring longer, more expensive rails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of self-closing mechanismVSAvoidlength of rail required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The self-closing mechanism is positioned in the vertical dimension between the cabinet rail and drawer rail rather than along the horizontal length of the rail. This allows the rail to maintain its full length as a guide track while the self-closing mechanism is integrated into the vertical space it creates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If horizontal coupling and decoupling forces are applied to the rail guide assembly, then the coupling element can be actuated, but the forces act in the direction of the weaker area moment of inertia, resulting in noticeable lateral movement on the goods carrier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling and decoupling actionVSAvoidlateral movement and play in guide assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling and decoupling forces are redirected from horizontal to vertical direction. Since the rail guide assembly has much higher stiffness in the vertical direction (higher area moment of inertia), the same magnitude of force produces minimal movement and is hardly noticeable during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2592966B1Pull-out guide for drawers

Publication Date: 2015.06.24 ANTON SCHNEIDER GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a pull-out guide (1) for drawers or the like, comprising a body rail (2), a drawer rail (3), and an automatic retracting means (10) for retracting the drawer rail (3) into a closed final position. The automatic retracting means (10) is fixed to the body or drawer rail (2, 3) and has a pivotable coupling element (11) that is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner, said coupling element interacting with a driver (13) that is provided on the respective other rail (3, 2). According to the invention, the automatic retracting means (10) and the driver (13) lie in a vertical intermediate space (15) that is formed between a horizontal web (2a) of the body rail (2) and a horizontal web (3a) of the drawer rail (3). The automatic retracting means housing (12) sits against the horizontal web (3a) of the rail (3) to which the automatic retracting means (10) is fixed. The coupling element (11) can be pivoted about a horizontal axis (16) into a locked position.