Drawer Retraction Mechanism With Spring-Assisted Partial Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drawers without handles are difficult to open due to the spring's retraction mechanism, which holds them in a closed position, making them hard to initiate movement.
Innovation Solution
A slide-out arrangement is coupled to the coupling piece, allowing it to be adjusted from a closed to a partially open position, enabling easier grip and manual pulling, with a spring element and damper for controlled movement, and an overlift mechanism for user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring is used to hold the drawer in closed position, then the drawer remains securely closed, but the drawer becomes difficult to open
Solution Approach 1:
The slide-out arrangement is pre-loaded with a spring element that stores energy in the closed position. When activated, this pre-stored energy automatically propels the drawer to a partially open position, overcoming the retention force of the main spring without requiring excessive manual effort from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide-out arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the main spring system. It provides a controlled intermediate state (partially open position) that facilitates easy gripping and manual pulling, mediating the transition from the difficult-to-open closed state to the usable open state.
2Ease of operation
If a slide-out arrangement is added to enable easy opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide-out arrangement combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: it serves as both the actuation interface for the user and the propulsion system using a spring element. The control element integrates the locking and unlocking functions, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide-out arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the opening force, defines the partially open position, offers a gripping surface, and integrates the control mechanism for the coupling piece. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity while enhancing operation ease.
3Ease of operation
If a damper is used to control closing movement, then the closing process becomes controlled and gentle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper creates a controlled resistance that balances the spring force during closing, creating a near-equilibrium state throughout the closing motion. This allows the drawer to close smoothly and gently without sudden movements or impacts, maintaining control throughout the entire closing process.
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 solution simplifies the operation of drawers by allowing easy transition from a closed to open position and ensures a controlled closing process, enhancing user experience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the push-out arrangement has a spring element and that the spring element prestresses the sliding piece in the pushed-in position
Implementation Method 2
a damper dampens the movement of the coupling piece from the deployed position into the retracted position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a retracting device, in particular for drawers, sliding doors, hinged doors etc., comprising a coupling element which can be impinged upon by a spring (13) which can be adjusted between a retraction position and a deployed position. According to the invention, in order to allow the drawers to open in a user-friendly manner, a sliding arrangement (20) can be coupled directly or indirectly to the coupling element, and a sliding element (21) of said sliding arrangement can be adjusted when actuating said sliding arrangement.