Ejector assembly for a mobile furniture item

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ejector arrangements for movable furniture parts, such as drawers, face challenges in assembly efficiency and length tolerance compensation, particularly with the synchronization rod, which requires precise cutting and assembly with ejector units.

Innovation Solution

The proposed ejector arrangement features a synchronization rod that can be inserted into a receptacle of one ejector unit and then positioned between two ejector units, with positioning means like springs and guide elements to ensure proper alignment and length compensation, allowing for separate assembly and telescopic adjustment to accommodate varying rod lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the synchronization rod is cut to length during assembly and permanently assembled with ejector units, then the ejector arrangement achieves precise synchronization, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization rod is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled separately and then connected. This allows the ejector units to be permanently assembled with their respective rod segments, while the complete synchronization rod can be assembled later without disassembling the permanently fixed components. The segmented design maintains synchronization precision while significantly improving assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the synchronization rod is permanently assembled with ejector units, then the structural integrity is improved, but length tolerance compensation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidlength tolerance compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization rod incorporates a telescopic mechanism with movable segments that can adjust their relative positions. This dynamic design allows the rod to compensate for length tolerances and variations in drawer thickness while maintaining permanent assembly of the ejector units. The telescopic sections provide the necessary adaptability without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the synchronization rod requires precise cutting to length, then the synchronization accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod length precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of cutting a single rod to precise length, the synchronization rod is segmented into standardized sections that connect via coupling mechanisms. This eliminates the need for precise cutting of the entire rod length, as each segment can be manufactured to standard dimensions and assembled to achieve the required total length, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization rod design allows for adjustment of the effective length through telescopic mechanisms or movable segments. This means the rod does not require precise manufacturing at a fixed length, but can be adjusted within a range to accommodate variations, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining synchronization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design simplifies the assembly process by allowing the synchronization rod to be assembled separately from the ejector units, compensates for length differences up to 30mm, and ensures simultaneous and secure activation of the ejector units, enhancing the overall functionality and reliability of the ejector mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

the positioning means comprise at least one spring element. The spring element, for example, forces the synchronization rod into the functional position when installed on the ejector units.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the ejector units being intended to move the movable furniture part in an opening direction of a piece of furniture in relation to eject a furniture body of the piece of furniture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3181013B1Ejector assembly for a mobile furniture item
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 GRASS GMBH

AI summary

Ejector arrangement (11) for a movable furniture part (3), for example a drawer (3), consisting of two ejector units (12, 13) which are connected to one another via a synchronization rod (14), the ejector units (12, 13) being provided for this purpose are to eject the movable furniture part (3) in an opening direction of a piece of furniture (1) in relation to a furniture body (2) of the piece of furniture (1), and wherein the synchronization rod (14) synchronizes a switching function of the ejector units (12, 13). The ejector arrangement (11) is characterized in that at least one ejector unit (12, 13) is designed in such a way that the synchronization rod (14) can be pushed in on a mount of the first ejector unit (12, 13) until it moves into a mount of a opposite second ejector unit (12, 13), positioning means being provided to position the synchronization rod (14) in an operative position between the ejector units (12, 13).