Drawer Pull-Out Rail Synchronization Using Flexible Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out systems face issues with synchronizing the movement of rails, leading to undesirable oblique positioning of drawer elements, mechanical overload, limited tolerance compensation, and noise generation, especially in wide drawer elements.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out system utilizing a flexible deflection element to synchronize the movement of movable rails, which replaces rigid coupling rods, allowing for simple mounting, tolerance compensation, and quiet operation, with adjustable tension and pretensioning mechanisms to ensure smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid coupling rods are used to synchronize the movement of rails, then the synchronization is mechanically strong, but the device is heavily loaded and the operating lifespan is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid mechanical coupling rod system with a flexible cable-operated control system. The cable system transmits synchronization forces through flexible elements rather than rigid mechanical connections, reducing mechanical stress and wear on individual components while maintaining synchronization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the synchronization element from rigid (coupling rod) to flexible (cable). This parameter change allows the system to accommodate minor misalignments and tolerances through the cable's flexibility, reducing peak loads and extending operational life while maintaining synchronization.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid synchronisation devices with pinions and toothed racks are used, then the synchronization is precise, but disturbing noises are generated during displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the noisy pinion and toothed rack mechanism by replacing it with a cable-based synchronization system. The cable system transmits motion through tension and deflection without the toothed engagement that generates disturbing noises, while still achieving precise synchronization through the cable's controlled elasticity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cable-operated control systems are used to control rail movement, then oblique positioning is prevented, but the pull-out guides may be moved in an offset manner in wide drawer elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the cable as a controllable parameter to maintain synchronization accuracy across wide drawer elements. The cable's elasticity allows it to compensate for slight offset movements while still transmitting the synchronization force effectively, preventing oblique positioning even in wide applications.
4Ease of operation
If flexible deflection elements are used to synchronize movable rails, then tolerance compensation is permitted and operation is quiet, but the mechanism requires tension adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-operated synchronization system is designed to be self-adjusting through controlled cable deflection. The cable's inherent elasticity allows it to automatically compensate for tension variations and minor misalignments during operation, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining smooth operation and quiet performance.
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 flexible deflection element ensures synchronized movement of pull-out guides, preventing oblique positioning, reducing mechanical load, and minimizing noise, while allowing for easy retrofitting and reduced costs by integrating self-retracting mechanisms and damping systems.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible deflection element ensures the synchronisation between the movable rails of the pull-out guides
Implementation Method 2
The flexible deflection element can be guided via at least one deflection pulley on the rail. Deflection on each pull-out guide on the deflection pulley can be carried out about approximately 180°.
Data Source
AI summary
A pull-out system comprises at least two pull-out guides, each pull-out guide having a stationary rail and at least one rail that can be moved relative to the stationary rail, means for synchronizing the movement of the movable rails being provided, said means comprising at least one flexible deflector element for synchronization. In this way, the movement of wide or heavy pull-out units can be synchronized in a simple manner, producing little noise.