Drawer Rail Bar with Spring-Loaded Length Adjustment for Gap Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer railing systems require multiple steps for assembly and are prone to misalignment over time, leading to visible gaps and a compromised appearance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a spring element that automatically positions the length compensation element to cover gaps between the railing rod and wall element, ensuring a stable and visually appealing connection without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the length compensation element is manually positioned to cover the gap, then the appearance is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveappearanceVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element automatically pushes the length compensation element into the correct position to cover the gap between the railing bar and wall element, eliminating the need for manual positioning by the user. The system serves itself by using the spring force to maintain proper alignment and coverage throughout the drawer's operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Shape

If the length compensation element is manually positioned to cover the gap, then the appearance is improved, but the reliability decreases due to user error and forgetfulness

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveappearanceVSAvoidalignment consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element continuously maintains the length compensation element in the correct position, ensuring reliable gap coverage without depending on user memory or attention. The automatic positioning mechanism eliminates human error and ensures consistent appearance throughout the product's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element provides continuous mechanical feedback by exerting force on the length compensation element to maintain proper positioning. This active feedback mechanism ensures the element remains in the correct position to cover the gap, automatically correcting any deviations caused by vibrations or movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the length compensation element is allowed to move freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the alignment stability deteriorates due to vibrations and cleaning activities

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element automatically maintains the length compensation element in the correct position, providing stability without restricting necessary movement during assembly or cleaning. The spring force continuously acts to return the element to its proper position, ensuring alignment stability while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies the assembly process, maintains alignment over time, and ensures a consistent, aesthetically pleasing appearance by automatically correcting any misalignment caused by vibrations or cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring element which is supported on at least one fixed part of the railing bar and which pushes at least one length compensation element towards a maximum position in which the at least one length compensation element extends the railing bar to a maximum extent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3727091B1Arrangement comprising a rail bar and a wall member of a drawer
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP3727091B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3727091B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3727091B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a rail bar (1) for a drawer, comprising an end (3) to be connected to a wall element (2), in particular a front panel (17) or a rear wall (18), of a drawer, and at least one length adjustment element (4), which is movable relative to the rail bar (1) in the longitudinal direction (5) of the rail bar (1) in order to cover a gap (6) occurring between the end (3) of the rail bar (1) and the wall element (2) in a connected state of the rail bar (1) to the wall element (2), at least one spring element (7) being provided which is supported on at least one stationary part (8) of the rail bar (1) and pushes the at least one length adjustment element (4) towards a maximum position, in which the at least one length adjustment element (4) lengthens the rail bar (1) to a maximum extent.