Drawer Pull-Out Guide Loading Rail with Horizontal Pivot Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer pull-out guide systems require significant installation space due to protruding locking mechanisms and visible locking elements, and often necessitate additional actuating elements for each drawer, which can be aesthetically unappealing and space-constrained, especially when mounted directly below worktops.
Innovation Solution
A drawer rail system where the locking element is pivotably mounted on the second rail about a horizontal axis, allowing the drawer to be slid onto the rail without requiring vertical displacement, and is designed to be compact and hidden within the rail cross-section, using a force accumulator to automatically lock the drawer in place without visible protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded locking latch is used to automatically lock the drawer to the guide rail, then the locking reliability is improved, but the installation space requirement increases due to the protruding locking bolt
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to move horizontally within the rail cross-section rather than protruding vertically, changing the dimension of locking element displacement from vertical to horizontal. This allows the locking mechanism to function reliably while maintaining a compact profile suitable for installation under worktops with limited vertical clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is nested within the cross-section of the rail, specifically within the U-shaped profile, rather than protruding outward. The locking element can move between a retracted position (for drawer insertion) and a locking position (for secure attachment), all while remaining contained within the rail's cross-sectional boundaries.
2Reliability
If a locking device with a downwardly protruding handle is used, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and the installation space under worktops is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is nested within the rail's U-shaped cross-section, with only minimal portions protruding if at all. The locking mechanism operates entirely within the confines of the rail profile, creating a sleek, unobtrusive appearance that maintains aesthetic quality while providing reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element operates horizontally within the rail cross-section rather than protruding vertically downward, changing the dimension of operation from vertical to horizontal. This eliminates the need for downward clearance and creates a clean, minimalist appearance suitable for modern furniture design.
3Ease of operation
If each drawer is equipped with an actuating element for locking, then the locking functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to operate automatically through the natural sliding motion of the drawer. As the drawer is pushed onto the rail, the locking element is horizontally displaced and automatically engages the locking position without requiring any additional actuating elements, handles, or manual intervention on each drawer.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the rail itself, which serves multiple functions: guiding the drawer, providing structural support, and enabling automatic locking. This universal design eliminates the need for separate actuating elements on each drawer, reducing overall system complexity.
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 design eliminates the need for vertical space during installation, provides a sleek and unobtrusive locking mechanism, and ensures secure locking without additional actuating elements, particularly beneficial for mounting under worktops where space is limited.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is biased by a force of a force accumulator in the direction of a locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a loading rail (11) for a drawer pull-out guide (4) , comprising a first rail (12) fixed or to be fixed to a drawer (3), a second rail (13) arranged or to be arranged on a carcass rail (9) or central rail (14) of a drawer pull-out guide (4), wherein the first rail (12) and the second rail (13) can be connected to each other by pushing on, and wherein the first rail (12) and the second rail (13), when connected, are locked to each other by means of at least one locking element (21), wherein the locking element (21) is preloaded in the direction of a locking position by a force of a force store (25). The locking element (21) is arranged on the second rail (13) and, as the first rail (12) is pushed onto the second rail (13), can be pivoted starting from the locking position counter to the force of the force store (25) about an axis (26) extending horizontally in the mounting position in the direction of the carcass rail (9) or the central rail (14) of the drawer pull-out guide (4), into a release position.