Drawer Rail Plug-In Positioning for Near-Continuous Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for positioning drawers on slides lack the ability to provide almost continuous and free positioning, relying on detents which limit flexibility and precision.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in connection system comprising a receiving unit and a plug-in unit, where the receiving unit is dimensioned to allow for adjustable positioning of the drawer relative to the slide, with the plug-in unit being inserted to fix the drawer in a desired position, offering grid-step adjustments in two spatial directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a detent-based adjustment element is used for positioning the drawer, then the drawer can be fixed in discrete positions, but the positioning flexibility and continuity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit is segmented into a bundle of individual rods instead of being a solid structure. This segmentation creates free spaces between the rods that allow the plug-in unit to be inserted at various positions, enabling continuous adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from discrete detent positions to a continuous range of positions by utilizing the spatial dimension created by the free spaces between rods. The plug-in unit can be inserted at any position along the bundle, adding a dimensional aspect to the adjustment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a solid receiving unit is used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but the ability to allow free positioning of the drawer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit is divided into multiple individual rods within a bundle, creating free spaces between them. This segmentation allows the plug-in unit to be positioned freely among the rods while the overall bundle structure maintains rigidity through the collective arrangement of rods.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundle of rods provides local flexibility through the free spaces between individual rods, while the outer casing or overall bundle structure maintains global rigidity. This local quality variation allows simultaneous achievement of positioning freedom and structural stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the receiving unit is designed with free spaces for plug-in insertion, then continuous positioning is enabled, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit consists of multiple rods arranged in a bundle with free spaces between them. This segmented structure enables precise positioning through the plug-in unit while the collective arrangement of multiple rods maintains sufficient structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving unit employs a composite structure of multiple rods bundled together, potentially with different material properties or arrangements, to achieve both the precision needed for positioning and the strength required for structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device has a plug-in connector (10) with a receiving unit (12) and a plug-in unit (11). The receiving unit is formed as a partially coated rod bundle. The packing density of the rod bundle is designed such that the free space corresponding to the cross section of the plug-in unit is provided in the rod bundle.