Drawer slide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pull-out guides for furniture often require complex and mechanically intricate connecting devices to provide adjustment options in multiple spatial directions, which complicates the design and compromises the compactness of the system.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a pull-out guide system where the coupling element on the running rail is adjustable in the extract direction, with mechanisms on the running rail itself allowing for depth adjustment, and separate mechanisms on the connecting device for side and height adjustments, optimizing the use of available space and simplifying the design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adjustment options for multiple spatial directions are provided in the connecting device, then the adaptability of the furniture part is improved, but the device complexity increases and compactness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment options in multiple spatial directionsVSAvoidmechanical complexity of connecting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the adjustment functionality into two separate segments: the running rail provides adjustment in the extract direction (depth adjustment), while the connecting device provides adjustment in side and height directions. This segmentation allows each component to have a simpler, more focused structure while collectively achieving multi-directional adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the adjustment mechanisms of the running rail and connecting device to achieve comprehensive multi-directional adjustment. The running rail's extraction adjustment works together with the connecting device's side and height adjustments to provide complete spatial positioning capability without requiring all adjustments to be contained within a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If all adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the connecting device, then the adaptability is improved, but the connecting device becomes larger and less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidsize of connecting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment functionality is segmented between the running rail (extract direction adjustment) and the connecting device (side and height adjustment). This segmentation distributes the adjustment mechanisms across different components, preventing the connecting device from becoming oversized while maintaining comprehensive adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the coupling element is fixed on the running rail, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adjustability in the extract direction is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of designVSAvoiddepth adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is designed to be displaceable in the extract direction relative to the running rail, transforming it from a fixed to a dynamic component. This displacement capability is achieved through a relatively simple mechanism that allows depth adjustment while maintaining ease of assembly and overall design simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach allows for flexible and efficient adjustment of furniture parts in multiple directions while maintaining a compact and simplified design, reducing the mechanical complexity of the connecting device and optimizing the use of installation space.

Implementation Method 1

at least one adjustment device (30) is arranged on the running rail (20) for displacing the position of the coupling element (21) relative to the running rail (20) in at least one room direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical adjustment:

Implementation Method 2

a coupling element (21) is arranged on the running rail (20), which cooperates with a correspondingly designed corresponding coupling element on the furniture part such that the furniture part is fixed on the running rail (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling:

Implementation Method 3

in which the roller rail mounted by rolling bearings can be easily moved to the guide rail even at higher load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2994011B1Drawer slide
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2994011B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2994011B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2994011B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

The invention relates to a drawer slide for a movable piece of furniture, in particular a drawer (1), having a guide rail (10), which can be fastened to a piece of furniture, and a runner rail (20) which is mounted to be movable relative thereto, wherein at least one coupling element (21) is arranged on the runner rail (20) which interacts with at least one corresponding coupling element (41) arranged on the piece of furniture in order to connect the piece of furniture to the runner rail (20). The drawer slide is characterized in that at least one adjustment device (30) for moving the position of the coupling element (21) relative to the runner rail (20) in at least one spatial direction is arranged on the runner rail (20). The invention further relates to a system made of at least one such drawer guide and at least one connecting device (40) which can be fastened to a movable piece of furniture, in particular to a drawer (1), wherein the connecting device (40) and a runner rail (20) of the drawer guide can be connected to each other by means of coupling elements (21, 41).