Item of furniture and method for opening a drawer and an inner drawer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture designs with ejection devices for drawers and inner drawers are complex, requiring electrical power and calibration, which complicates the reliable opening mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Mechanical synchronization of ejection devices using a rotatable rod or other mechanical transmission means ensures simultaneous unlocking and ejection of drawers and inner drawers without electrical energy, simplifying the opening process and reducing structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical motors are used to eject drawers and inner drawers, then the ejection function is achieved, but the device complexity and power cable requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical motor system with a mechanical ejection device that uses a spring-loaded driver and pawl mechanism. The driver is held in a retracted position by a locking device, and when released, the spring force propels the drawer outward. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for power cables and electrical components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ejection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection device is designed to be manually activated by the user through a simple release mechanism. The spring-loaded driver automatically propels the drawer without requiring external power sources. The system serves itself by storing mechanical energy in the spring and releasing it on demand, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power supply and complex control systems.
2Reliability
If switching elements and control devices are used to couple ejection devices, then the ejection coordination is achieved, but the structural complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ejection devices for the drawer and inner drawer into a single integrated mechanical system. The locking devices of both ejection devices are mechanically coupled through a common rod, so that actuating one locking device simultaneously actuates the other. This merging eliminates the need for separate control devices and switching elements, reducing structural complexity while ensuring coordinated ejection of both drawers.
Solution Approach 2:
The common rod acts as a mechanical intermediary that transmits the actuating force from one locking device to the other. When the user releases the locking device of the drawer, the rod transmits this motion to the locking device of the inner drawer, ensuring both drawers are ejected simultaneously. This simple mechanical intermediary replaces complex electronic control systems and switching elements.
3Device complexity
If the drawer and inner drawer are ejected with the same ejection distance, then the ejection mechanism is simplified, but the user accessibility and handling convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different ejection distances for the drawer and inner drawer to optimize user accessibility. The drawer is ejected a greater distance to provide full access to its contents, while the inner drawer is ejected a shorter distance since it is accessed only when the drawer is open. This dynamic differentiation of ejection distances improves ease of operation without significantly complicating the ejection mechanism, as the mechanical coupling through the common rod naturally accommodates different travel distances.
Data Source
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AI summary
An item of furniture (1) comprises a furniture carcass (2) on which a drawer (3) and at least one inner drawer (5) are held in a movable manner, wherein the inner drawer (5), in a closed position, is at least partially concealed by a front panel (4) of the drawer (3), and the drawer (3) can be ejected via at least one first ejection device (12) after unlocking a locking device of the first ejection device (12) by movement of a driver (13) which is driven by a force accumulator, and the at least one inner drawer (5) can be ejected via at least one second ejection device (15) after unlocking a locking device of the second ejection device (15) by movement of a driver (16) which is driven by a force accumulator, wherein the locking device of the at least one first ejection device (12) is synchronized with the locking device of the at least one second ejection device (15) via mechanical synchronization means (21, 21'). The invention further relates to a method for opening a drawer (3) and an inner drawer (5).