Single-Extension Guide Rail With Roller Release for Longer Pull-Out

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pull-out cabinet fittings with single extensions have limited pull-out distance due to constant guide length, resulting in the pull-out element either not protruding far enough or protruding excessively beyond the fixed element, and are costly due to the need for intermediate elements.

Innovation Solution

A fitting with rollers rotating around at least three spaced axes, allowing the pull-out element to be supported only in the retracted position by rollers on the fixed element, enabling additional pull-out distance by releasing rollers from their rails in the extended position, and utilizing a double rail design for support transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If an intermediate element is used to achieve greater pull-out distance, then the pull-out distance is increased, but material and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull-out distanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the pull-out element to serve multiple roles: it acts as both the moving component and the guide element through the third roller axis. This eliminates the need for a separate intermediate element, reducing the number of parts while achieving the same pull-out distance extension that would otherwise require an additional guided component.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the function of the pull-out element with the guiding function by incorporating the third roller axis directly on the pull-out element. This combines what would traditionally be separate components (pull-out element and intermediate guide element) into a single integrated component, reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2682023B1Single extensible guide rail
Publication Date: 2016.02.24 VAUTH SAGEL HLDG GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2682023B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2682023B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2682023B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fitting (1) for a pull-out cupboard (25) has a fixed element (2) to be rigidly fastened to the body (26) of the pull-out cupboard (25) and a pull-out element (3) mounted on the fixed element (2). The pull-out element (3) can be moved between a pushed-in position and an extended position relative to the fixed element (2). The pull-out element (3) is via rollers (11, 18, 21, 23), which revolve around at least three horizontal axes (12, 17, 20, 24) spaced apart from one another and engage on rails (7, 10) running parallel to one another, in a pull-out direction (14) on the fixed element (2), the rollers (18, 21, 23) rotating about at least two of the mutually spaced axes (17, 20, 25) being mounted on the pull-out element (3). In its retracted position, but not in its extended position, the pull-out element (2) is supported on the fixed element (2) via the rollers (18), which rotate about one axis (17) of the at least three axes (12, 17, 20, 24) rotate and are mounted on the pull-out element (3).