Furniture and method for assembling a slide element on a furniture carcass

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies for mounting sliding elements on furniture, such as sliding doors, face challenges in precisely positioning the self-closing mechanism along the guide rail, leading to unwanted gaps or steps in the final position due to imprecise alignment.

Innovation Solution

A furniture mounting system with an adjustable mechanism that allows for tool-free adjustment of the sliding element's end position via a pivotable actuating element, enabling precise alignment and locking of the sliding element relative to the furniture body, using components like worms, eccentrics, or spindles to ensure accurate positioning and secure fixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the self-closing mechanism is positioned exactly in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, then the positioning precision of the sliding element is improved, but the complexity of the assembly process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of sliding elementVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The activator is made adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the running rail, allowing dynamic repositioning to achieve precise end position alignment without complex fixed positioning mechanisms. The adjustment mechanism enables the activator to be moved along the running rail and fixed at different positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism uses a pivotable actuating element that can be actuated by hand without tools, replacing complex mechanical adjustment systems. The actuating element pivots to release or secure the activator's position, simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the activator is made adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the running rail, then the adaptability of the sliding element positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of end positionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The activator is designed with adjustable positioning along the running rail, allowing it to adapt to different end positions. The adjustment mechanism includes a pivotable actuating element that enables easy repositioning while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to be operable without tools, allowing the user to independently adjust the activator's position. The pivotable actuating element can be manually operated to release and secure the activator at different positions along the running rail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the actuating element is arranged above the upper edge of the sliding element, then the ease of operation is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of actuating elementVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element is arranged above the upper edge of the sliding element, making it easily accessible for operation. This positioning allows the actuator to be gripped and manipulated without requiring disassembly or complex access, prioritizing ease of use over concealed placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3625420B1Furniture and method for assembling a slide element on a furniture carcass
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 HETTICH HEINZE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3625420B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3625420B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3625420B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a piece of furniture (1) comprising a furniture carcass (2) and at least one slide element (5, 6), which is movable via at least one runner (8, 8', 9, 40) along a runner rail (7) in order to expose or close an opening on the furniture carcass (2), wherein there is a stop device at least in an end position of the slide element (5, 6), which comprises an activator (12, 12', 50) and a stop element (13), which can be brought into engagement with the activator (12, 12', 50), wherein an adjustment mechanism (11, 47) for the activator (12, 12', 50) is provided, via which the activator (12, 12', 50) is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the runner rail (7) in order to adjust the end position of the slide element (5, 6). The invention further relates to a method for mounting a slide element on a furniture carcass (2).