Drawer Pull-Out Guide With Vertical Automatic Retraction Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pull-out guides for drawers face issues with space inefficiency, lateral projection of automatic retraction mechanisms, and reduced load-bearing capacity due to horizontal trigger kinematics and integration challenges, limiting design flexibility and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

The automatic retraction and catch are arranged in a vertical intermediate space between the body rail and drawer rail, allowing the automatic retraction housing to pivot vertically and absorb coupling forces, enhancing load-bearing capacity and compact integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the automatic retraction is arranged horizontally next to the rail guide package, then the automatic retraction mechanism can be integrated, but additional space is required next to the rail guide package and the upstand of the goods holder must be designed with a correspondingly large size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of automatic retractionVSAvoidspace next to rail guide package

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the automatic retraction arrangement from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration by utilizing the vertical intermediate space between the body rail and drawer rail. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to be integrated without requiring additional horizontal space, thereby resolving the contradiction between integration ease and space requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the automatic retraction is disposed between the drawer rail and the body rail with horizontal trigger kinematics, then the automatic retraction is integrated in the rail guide package, but the automatic retraction housing must be relatively rigid and often laterally projects past the guide package

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration in rail guide packageVSAvoidlateral projection of housing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the trigger kinematics from horizontal to vertical orientation. The coupling element is guided for longitudinal displacement and triggers the automatic retraction through vertical movement rather than horizontal movement. This eliminates the need for lateral projection of the housing while maintaining integration within the rail guide package.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using horizontal trigger kinematics that require rigid housing and lateral projection, the patent inverts the approach by using vertical trigger kinematics where the coupling element's longitudinal movement directly triggers the retraction mechanism through vertical coupling forces, eliminating the need for lateral housing extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If the automatic retraction is arranged in the body rail or drawer rail, then the automatic retraction can be integrated, but this area cannot be used as a guideway and longer and more expensive rails must be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of automatic retractionVSAvoidlength of rails

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical intermediate space between the body rail and drawer rail for housing the automatic retraction mechanism, rather than integrating it within the longitudinal structure of either rail. This allows the full length of both rails to be used as guideways without interruption, eliminating the need for longer rails while achieving integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables a more compact, efficient, and robust automatic retraction mechanism that absorbs vertical forces effectively, reducing noticeable lateral motion and allowing deeper coverage of the guide package, while minimizing the need for longer or more expensive rails.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling element can be pivoted about a horizontal axis into a locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

the automatic retraction housing abuts the horizontal web of that rail to which the automatic retraction is fixed, and the coupling element can be pivoted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce absorption: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9033433B2Pull-out guide for drawers

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 ANTON SCHNEIDER GMBH

AI summary

A pull-out guide for drawers or the like, includes a body rail, a drawer rail, and an automatic retraction for retracting the drawer rail into its closed final position. The automatic retraction is fixed to the body rail or drawer rail and has a pivotable coupling element that is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner and interacts with a catch which is provided on the respective other rail. The automatic retraction and the catch are arranged in a vertical intermediate space, which is formed between a horizontal web of the body rail and a horizontal web of the drawer rail. The automatic retraction housing abuts the horizontal web of that rail to which the automatic retraction is fixed, and the coupling element can be pivoted about a horizontal axis into a locked position.