Drawer Runner Clamping Mechanism for High Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture drawer fixing technologies face limitations in providing high holding forces, especially with heavy drawers, and often compromise on positional accuracy and holding strength during impact tests.
Innovation Solution
A clamping mechanism with a self-locking clamping lever and frictional connection is used, allowing for high clamping forces through frictional engagement rather than positive stop elements, enabling precise positioning and stable fixation of the drawer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a locking mechanism with positive-locking stop elements is used, then high holding forces are provided, but stepless adjustment and precise positioning are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical positive-locking system (teeth, stops, clicks) with a friction-based clamping system. The clamping lever applies continuous frictional force to the retaining element, eliminating the need for discrete stop elements while enabling stepless adjustment. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both high holding forces through friction and continuous positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the locking mechanism from discrete positive-locking positions to continuous frictional engagement. By varying the clamping force and contact pressure, the system achieves both strong holding capability and precise stepless positioning, resolving the contradiction between force and precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are used for the locking mechanism, then ease of manufacture is improved, but holding forces are limited for heavy drawers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material strategy where the clamping lever is made of metal (steel or aluminum alloy) to provide high strength and holding forces, while the retaining element can be plastic or metal. This combination allows the system to manufacture easily (especially if the retaining element is plastic) while achieving the necessary holding forces for heavy drawers through the metal clamping lever.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the locking system into separate components (clamping lever, retaining element, receptacle) that can be made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. The clamping lever uses metal for strength, while the retaining element can use plastic for ease of manufacture, resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and holding force.
3Ease of operation
If a detachable coupling with elastic material component is used, then ease of operation is improved, but positional accuracy in the longitudinal direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastic material coupling (rubber, polymer) with a mechanical friction-based clamping system. The clamping lever provides detachable coupling through simple release mechanisms while maintaining precise longitudinal positioning through continuous frictional contact, eliminating the positional inaccuracy introduced by elastic deformation.
4Manufacturing precision
If frictional connection is used instead of positive-locking, then stepless adjustment is enabled, but the complexity of the clamping mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple pivoting clamping lever that dynamically adjusts its clamping force based on the position and load. The lever rotates about a pivot point, allowing stepless adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple structure. The dynamic nature of the pivoting mechanism enables continuous positioning without complex control systems.
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 solution provides high holding forces and precise positioning of the drawer, ensuring it remains securely attached to the pull-out runner without accidental disengagement, while allowing for easy assembly and stepless adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
A self-locking clamping lever is provided on the receptacle, by means of which the retaining element is frictionally secured against being pulled out
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fixing a push element, in particular a drawer box (4) to a rail (5) of a pull-out guide (3), said device comprising a clamping mechanism with a receptacle (20), into which a web-shaped holding part (12) can be inserted, wherein a self-locking clamping element (25) is provided at the receptacle (20), by means of which the holding part (12) is secured in a clamping manner against being pulled out. As a result, a particularly stable fixation of the drawer box (4) to a pull-out guide (3) can be achieved.