Universal Drawer Slide Coupling Device for Metal and Wood

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer coupling devices are not universally applicable for both hollow metal and wooden drawer materials, requiring separate designs for each material type.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device that includes a first coupling element for hollow metal profiles and a second coupling element for wooden materials, allowing detachable coupling to an extension rail, eliminating the need for separate devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate coupling devices are provided for metal and wooden drawers, then coupling effectiveness for each material type is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is designed with a universal coupling element that can effectively couple to both metal hollow profiles and wooden drawer materials. The coupling mechanism incorporates adaptive features such as adjustable clamping force and multi-mode engagement (mechanical interlocking for metal, friction-based for wood) within a single device structure, eliminating the need for separate coupling devices for different drawer materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device utilizes parameter changes in its coupling element to adapt to different drawer materials. The coupling element can change its physical parameters such as clamping force magnitude, engagement geometry, and contact surface area depending on whether it is coupling to metal or wood, allowing effective coupling across material types without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a universal coupling device is designed for both metal and wooden drawers, then device simplicity and versatility improve, but coupling effectiveness for specific materials may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcoupling effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device incorporates dynamic adaptation mechanisms that allow the coupling element to automatically adjust its behavior based on the detected drawer material properties. The coupling mechanism can dynamically change its engagement mode, applying higher clamping force for lighter wooden drawers and utilizing mechanical interlocking for heavier metal drawers, ensuring optimal coupling effectiveness across different material types within a single universal device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the drawer slide and various drawer materials. It incorporates material-adaptive features such as compliant elements and variable geometry that mediate the interaction between the fixed coupling device and the variable drawer materials, ensuring effective coupling regardless of whether the drawer is made of metal or wood.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If detachable coupling is implemented for cleaning purposes, then maintenance accessibility improves, but mounting and dismounting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidmounting and dismounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device incorporates preliminary action features such as pre-positioned coupling elements, automatic alignment guides, and spring-loaded engagement mechanisms that facilitate rapid mounting and dismounting. The coupling element is pre-configured to automatically engage with the drawer slide when brought into proximity, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing the time required for mounting and dismounting operations while maintaining detachability for cleaning purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4714299A2Arrangement with at least one drawer pull-out guide
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP4714299A2 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP4714299A2 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4714299A2 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

An arrangement with at least one drawer slide (9), wherein the drawer slide (9) has a cabinet rail (10) to be attached to a furniture carcass and at least one extension rail (11) movable relative to the cabinet rail (10), wherein the drawer slide (9) comprises at least one coupling device (18) for detachably coupling the extension rail (11) to a drawer (1), wherein the arrangement comprises at least one drawer side wall (2) with a hollow metal profile having at least one first coupling element (18a) which is detachably coupling to the coupling device (18) of the drawer slide (9), and wherein the arrangement comprises at least one second coupling element (18c) which is to be attached to a drawer (1) made of wood and which, instead of the at least one first coupling element (18a), can alternatively be detachably coupled to the coupling device (18) of the drawer slide (9).can be coupled.