Heavy-Duty Drawer System with Segmented Track for Full Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drawer systems for heavy loads in vehicles often fail to provide full access due to wheel engagement with tracks, leading to limited accessibility and maintenance issues in dirty or dusty conditions, especially in four-wheel drive vehicles where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A drawer system with two opposed spaced apart side walls and side panels, featuring lower and upper wheels, and a runner with tracks and guide means that allow for full drawer access while supporting heavy loads, incorporating stop means for precise positioning and maintenance-free operation, and optional lighting and holding mechanisms for secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wheels are mounted on the drawer and engage with tracks fixed to the cabinet, then the drawer can support heavy loads, but the drawer cannot be fully drawn from the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer system is divided into three separate track segments: a first track fixed to the cabinet, an intermediate track mounted on the first track that can extend beyond the cabinet, and a second track on the drawer. This segmentation allows the drawer to be supported while extending fully beyond the cabinet, resolving the contradiction between load bearing and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate track acts as a mediator between the fixed cabinet track and the drawer track. This intermediate track can extend beyond the cabinet and provides support to the drawer, enabling full accessibility while maintaining load bearing capacity through the track system.
2Ease of operation
If bearing balls are used in a rack system to provide smooth drawer movement, then drawer access is improved, but the system requires regular maintenance in dusty conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bearing balls and grease from the track system entirely, extracting the problematic elements that required maintenance. The track system operates without lubrication, using a simple wheel-on-track mechanism that is maintenance-free and suitable for dusty environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system uses simple, durable components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex bearing assemblies requiring maintenance. The design prioritizes simplicity and durability over long service life with minimal intervention.
3Strength
If the drawer is supported by wheel engagement in tracks, then heavy loads can be carried, but a significant portion of the drawer remains in the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is segmented into fixed and mobile portions, allowing the support function to be separated from the extension function. The fixed track provides load support while the intermediate track extension enables the drawer to extend beyond the cabinet, maximizing both load capacity and extension distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution extends the track system in the longitudinal dimension beyond the cabinet, rather than limiting support to the cabinet boundaries. This allows the drawer to be supported while extending further out, increasing the usable volume outside the cabinet.
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
Enables almost full access to the drawer while supporting heavy loads, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions, with improved accessibility and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
at least two lower wheels mounted on one side of the recess for supporting a runner thereon
Implementation Method 2
guide means on the opposite side of said recess for guiding a runner travelling in said recess on said lower wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A drawer system including: a drawer cabinet and a drawer mounted in said cabinet for forward and backward travel relative thereto; said cabinet having two opposed spaced apart side walls and at least two lower wheels mounted to each side wall and spaced apart in the intended direction of travel of the drawer; said drawer having two opposed spaced apart side panels and at least two lower wheels mounted to each side panel and spaced apart in the intended direction of travel of the drawer; and a runner mounted on said lower cabinet wheels of each side wall for forward and backward travel relative to said cabinet via a first track and each runner including a second track engaged by said spaced apart lower drawer wheels for forward and backward travel for said drawer relative to said runner.