Device for connecting partition elements and functional unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing functional units with rotating and sliding separating elements require significant space for guide routes and drives, limiting their universality and applicability to specific types of cupboards.
Innovation Solution
A compact guide device with a movable guide drive along a running rail, allowing the separation element to be rotated and moved while taking up minimal space, thus enabling its use in conventional functional units without additional space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If guide routes and drives are installed on the bottom and top of the cabinet, then the separating element can be rotated and moved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide carriage is designed to move along a guide rail that extends in a horizontal direction rather than requiring vertical guide routes at the top and bottom of the cabinet. This dimensional change simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the separating element's rotational and sliding functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The guide carriage integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides guiding, support, and rotational capability for the separating element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate guide routes and drives at the cabinet's top and bottom, reducing device complexity
2Ease of operation
If guide routes and drives are installed on the bottom and top of the cabinet, then the separating element can be rotated and moved, but the applicable space for the functional unit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is positioned horizontally along the front of the cabinet rather than requiring vertical space at the top and bottom. This allows the functional unit to be installed in locations with limited vertical clearance while maintaining full operational capability of the separating element
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device is localized to specific areas (front of cabinet and door compartment) rather than requiring guide routes across the entire top and bottom surfaces. This selective placement minimizes the impact on the overall usable space of the functional unit
3Ease of operation
If guide routes and drives are installed on the bottom and top of the cabinet, then the separating element can be rotated and moved, but the design becomes limited to specific cabinet types
Solution Approach 1:
The guide carriage and rail system provides a universal solution that can be adapted to various cabinet types and configurations. Unlike the previous design that required specific top and bottom mounting points, this system can be installed on the front of different cabinet styles including wall-mounted units with limited clearance
Solution Approach 2:
The guide carriage allows the separating element to dynamically transition between horizontal sliding motion and rotational movement along a single guide rail. This dynamic capability replaces the static requirement for multiple fixed guide routes, enabling compatibility with diverse cabinet designs
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
The solution allows for stable and precise movement of separation elements, such as sliding doors, while maintaining a clean and unobstructed appearance above the functional unit, enhancing its aesthetic and functional versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The carriage head supports at least one support wheel and at least two guide wheels
Implementation Method 2
a hinge shaft arranged in a guide hinge, which is connectable to a side wall of the first separating element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~9
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The device for connecting facing sides of a first and a second separating element (5A, 5B) comprises pairs of hinges, which include a first hinge (30) connectable to the first separating element (5A) with a first joint lever (320) and a second hinge (30) connectable to the second separating element (5B) with a second joint lever (320), as well as a drive shaft (73) by means of which the facing end pieces of the first and the second joint lever (320) are connected to each other, wherein at least one clamp (72) is held by each of the drive shafts (73) which engages in an intermediate profile (71) which covers the free space between the two separating elements (5A, 5B).