Drawer Pull-Out Guide With Separate Functional and Retraction Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer pull-out guides face space constraints due to integrated functional units and require replacement of the entire unit if one function fails, limiting flexibility and increasing installation complexity.

Innovation Solution

The functional unit and retraction device are configured as separate constructional units, allowing the retraction device to be positioned variably along the extension rail and enabling additional functionalities, with the functional unit being designed as a one-piece component that can be partially or fully housed within the extension rail to cover its sharp edges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the functional unit and retraction device are integrated in the same space, then the structure is compact, but the installation flexibility and variability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupationVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the functional unit and retraction device into separate constructional units. The functional unit remains integrated within the extension rail, while the retraction device can be positioned independently at various locations along the extension rail, allowing flexible installation arrangements without compromising structural compactness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retraction device is positioned in a different spatial dimension along the extension rail rather than being vertically stacked with the functional unit. This longitudinal arrangement provides installation flexibility while maintaining a compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the functional unit contains multiple integrated functions, then space is saved, but the complexity of replacement increases when a function fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupationVSAvoidreplacement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the retraction device from the functional unit, the patent enables independent replacement of the retraction device if it fails, without requiring replacement of the entire functional unit. This modular approach maintains space efficiency while significantly improving ease of repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retraction device is extracted as a separate constructional unit from the functional unit, allowing it to be independently maintained and replaced. This extraction resolves the replacement complexity issue while preserving the compact integrated design of the functional unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the functional unit is positioned at the front-end region of the extension rail, then additional functionalities can be added, but the risk of injury from sharp edges increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidinjury risk from sharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sharp-edged front face of the extension rail, which initially presents a safety hazard, is converted into a beneficial feature by using it as a mounting surface for the functional unit. The functional unit serves as a protective cover that eliminates the injury risk while providing additional functional capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 provides increased installation flexibility, prevents injuries from sharp edges, and allows for additional functionalities, enabling efficient operation across a range of drawer lengths while maintaining compactness and ease of manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

a retraction device having at least one force storage member, wherein the extension rail can be retracted into the closed position by a force of the at least one force storage member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11013320B2Drawer pull-out guide

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 JULIUS BLUM GMBH

AI summary

A drawer pull-out guide includes a carcass rail to be fixed to a furniture carcass, an extension rail displaceably supported relative to the carcass rail between a closed position and an open position, a retraction device having a force storage member, and a functional unit arranged on a front-end region of the extension rail. The extension rail can be retracted into the closed position by a force of the force storage member. The retraction device is at least partially arranged within the extension rail. The functional unit and the retraction device are configured as constructional units separate from one another.