Integrated Drawer Motion Assembly for Self-Opening and Self-Closing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-opening and self-closing mechanisms for drawers are typically independent, requiring two separate devices and increasing assembly costs, with no integrated solution providing both functions conveniently for users.

Innovation Solution

A self-moving device for movable furniture parts that combines a closing mechanism with a locking member and an opening mechanism, utilizing elastic members to facilitate both self-closing and self-opening functions, eliminating the need for separate devices and simplifying user adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate devices are installed for self-closing and self-opening functions, then both functions are achieved, but assembly cost increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-closing and self-opening functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the self-closing mechanism (with locking member and first elastic member) and the self-opening mechanism (with push member and second elastic member) into a single integrated device. The closing mechanism and opening mechanism share common components such as the slide base, guiding member, and connecting portions, thereby achieving both functions while reducing overall device complexity and assembly cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions: the locking member provides both locking (self-closing) and release (self-opening) capabilities. The slide base serves as both a mounting structure and a moving component. The guiding member provides both guidance and retention functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate devices are installed for self-closing and self-opening functions, then both functions are achieved, but assembly cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-closing and self-opening functionVSAvoidassembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the closing device and opening device into one integrated assembly that can be manufactured and installed as a single unit. Common components like the slide base, guiding member, and connecting portions are shared between the self-closing and self-opening mechanisms, reducing the total number of parts and assembly steps, thereby lowering assembly cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two different devices are installed for self-closing and self-opening, then both functions are achieved, but user adjustment convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-closing and self-opening functionVSAvoiduser adjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device allows users to adjust both self-closing and self-opening functions through a unified structure. The locking member and push member are part of the same assembly, enabling coordinated adjustment and simplifying user interaction compared to managing two separate devices with different adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The integrated device provides a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for drawers, enabling both self-closing and self-opening functions with a single assembly, reducing complexity and costs while enhancing user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic member connected to the slide base; the slide base being urged by the first elastic member to move towards the second end of the first longitudinal member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an opening mechanism comprising a second elastic member disposed on the stationary part and a push member urged by the second elastic member to move

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8172345B2Self-moving device for movable furniture parts
Publication Date: 2012.05.08 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • US8172345B2 patent drawing
  • US8172345B2 patent drawing
  • US8172345B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A self-moving device for movable furniture parts includes a movable part which is movable with respect to a stationary part. The movable part includes first and second connecting portions. A closing mechanism includes a slide base which is movable in response to a force generated by a first elastic member. A locking member connected to the slide base is adapted to engage with the first connecting portion so that the movable part is urged by the first elastic member to be self-closing with respect to the stationary part. An opening mechanism includes a push member urged by a second elastic member to act on the second connecting portion. The movable part may be pushed by an external force to disengage the locking member from the first connecting portion so that the movable part is urged by the second elastic member to be self-opening with respect to the stationary part.