Drawer Self-Closing Mechanism with Spring-Assisted Soft Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer opening and closing devices require manual effort to close the drawer completely, leading to increased force requirements and potential slamming issues due to spring tensioning.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing mechanism with a latching mechanism and energy storage system, where the component is movably mounted on a housing, allowing for automatic closing and adjustable stops to prevent slamming, enabling easy opening and controlled closing without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-based ejection device is used to automatically open the drawer, then the drawer can be ejected from the closed position, but greater forces are required just before the closed position which can cause the drawer to slam shut
Solution Approach 1:
The closing movement is divided into two phases: a first phase where the drawer moves from open to partially closed position under controlled conditions, and a second phase where the self-closing mechanism takes over to complete the closing action. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for high forces throughout the entire closing stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-closing mechanism is pre-loaded with potential energy during the first closing phase, which is then released to automatically complete the closing action in the second phase. This preliminary action stores energy that is subsequently used to drive the final closing movement without requiring additional manual force or causing slamming.
2Extent of automation
If a self-closing mechanism with energy store is used, then automatic closing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-closing mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a closing actuator and an energy storage device, while also providing controlled deceleration during the closing movement. By combining these functions into a single integrated mechanism, the patent avoids the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite achieving high automation.
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
Facilitates easy operation by allowing automatic closing and reduces manual effort, preventing slamming and ensuring smooth, controlled drawer closure.
Implementation Method 1
The self-closing mechanism includes an energy store, in particular a tension spring, by means of which the component is prestressed in a closing direction
Implementation Method 2
The damper ensures that a closing movement that is too fast is avoided, which could cause loud impact noises
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has an actuator (7) coupled with a sliding rail. The actuator is guided to a component (9) along a guiding path (34). The actuator is rested at the component via a resting mechanism. The actuator is movable via a force storage unit (22) in an opening direction relative to the component, during releasing of the resting mechanism. The force storage unit is designed in form of a tension spring. The component is supported at a housing (8) in a movable manner, where the component is movable to the housing in a closing direction in an end position via an automatic entering unit.