Drawer Pull-Out Locking Mechanism for Simultaneous Rail Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pull-out locking devices for drawers often require users to wait for one pull-out rail to be fully retracted before another can be extended, due to the self-retracting mechanism's damping, which reduces operational comfort and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design allows for a pull-out locking device where the locking part remains in an actuation position for an extended distance, enabling another pull-out rail to be pulled out while the first is still in the intermediate section, and incorporates a self-retracting mechanism with a dampened adjustment from a waiting position to a basic position, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple drawers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a self-retracting mechanism with damping is used for drawer slides, then the drawer can be automatically retracted, but the retraction process takes relatively long time due to dampening
Solution Approach 1:
The extension path is divided into three distinct sections: a first actuating section, an intermediate section, and a second actuating section. The locking element remains in the actuating position only during the intermediate section, allowing other drawers to be extended simultaneously. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating a time window during which multiple drawers can be operated without waiting for full retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is moved to the actuating position but maintained there only partially during the drawer extension process - specifically during the intermediate section. This partial action allows the self-retracting mechanism to continue functioning while permitting simultaneous operation of multiple drawers, thus reducing the effective waiting time without completely disabling the automatic retraction feature.
2Ease of operation
If the locking element is moved to actuating position to block other drawers, then one drawer can be extended, but other drawers cannot be extended until the first is fully retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The extension path is divided into three distinct sections: a first actuating section, an intermediate section, and a second actuating section. The locking element remains in the actuating position only during the intermediate section, allowing other drawers to be extended simultaneously. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating a time window during which multiple drawers can be operated without waiting for full retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element maintains the actuating position continuously during the intermediate section of the extension path, ensuring that other drawers remain blocked only when necessary. This continuous action during the critical intermediate phase maximizes operational efficiency by allowing parallel drawer operations without compromising the control mechanism's effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking element interacts with push rods to block drawer extension, then drawer order is maintained, but the mechanism becomes complex with multiple interacting components
Solution Approach 1:
The cable element is extracted from the complex interaction of locking elements with push rods and other mechanical components. By using a cable that runs through guide sections and connects locking elements directly, the patent simplifies the mechanism while maintaining the ability to control drawer extension order and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible cable element is used instead of rigid mechanical linkages like push rods. This cable can bend and flex as needed while transmitting the blocking force from the locking element to the drawer slide, reducing the number of rigid mechanical components and simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining stability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A pull-out locking device for pull-out guides of drawers (6) comprises bolt units (8) which each have a base element (9) and a movably mounted bolt part (10) which can be moved by an actuation part (21) which, when an associated pull-out rail (3) is pulled out, is moved together with the pull-out rail (3) starting from the closing position over at least part of the pull-out section. A cable-like element (12) can be deflected by one of the bolt parts (10), wherein a deflection reserve is reduced. When a bolt part (10) is moved to a first and to a second actuation position, a deflection reserve of the cable-like element (12) is reduced by a first partial amount and a second partial amount. In the state in which one of the pull-out rails (3) is pulled out over a first actuation section, an intermediate section and a second actuation section, and another of the pull-out rails (3) is pulled out over the first actuation section and the remaining pull-out rails (3) are in the closed position, the deflection reserve is at least substantially used up.