Modular Pull-In Rail Assembly for Multi-Drawer Furniture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pull-in systems for furniture parts are complex to assemble and require multiple components, making them time-consuming and labor-intensive to install.

Innovation Solution

A pull-in system with a single mounting rail and snap connection mechanism, where pull-in units are mounted identically along the rail, allowing for easy attachment and adjustment between basic and waiting positions, and incorporating a damping device for smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional pull-in systems with multiple components are used, then the pull-in function is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and installation time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (mounting rail, mounting elements, pull-in parts with drivers, and damping devices) into an integrated assembly where the pull-in unit is pre-assembled with its mounting elements, allowing the entire unit to be installed as a single module rather than assembling multiple separate parts at the installation site

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting rail is designed with multiple identical mounting locations that can accommodate different pull-in units along its length, and each pull-in unit serves multiple functions including providing pull-in force via spring, damping the motion via damper, and being adjustable along the rail, thereby reducing the need for specialized components for each function

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

2Productivity

If traditional pull-in systems are used, then the pull-in function is achieved, but the installation time and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pull-in units are pre-assembled with their mounting elements, drivers, and damping devices attached to the mounting rail in a factory setting or before installation, so that during installation only the pre-assembled units need to be attached to the furniture body rather than assembling multiple components on-site

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pull-in system is divided into discrete, modular pull-in units that can be independently assembled and then installed as complete modules along the mounting rail, allowing for parallel assembly of multiple units and simplifying the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a single mounting rail with multiple mounting locations is used, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the adaptability to different furniture configurations may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidfurniture configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rail incorporates multiple mounting locations that can accommodate pull-in units at different positions and configurations, allowing the system to be adapted to various furniture designs and drawer arrangements while maintaining a simple standardized assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized mounting rail and mounting element design serves multiple furniture configurations and pull-in unit types, making the system versatile enough to accommodate different furniture designs while maintaining assembly simplicity through consistent interfaces

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

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 system simplifies assembly, reduces installation time, and ensures smooth operation with a damping mechanism that enhances the functionality of the pull-in mechanism, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Implementation Method 1

a pull-in part (5) which is acted upon by a pull-in spring (27)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a damping device for smooth operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2806769B1Pull-in system for multiple pull-out furniture parts
Publication Date: 2015.10.07 FULTERER GES
  • EP2806769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2806769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2806769B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a pull-in system for multiple pull-out furniture parts (1), each of which can be pulled out of a furniture body (30) in a pull-out direction (44) and inserted into the furniture body (30) in a direction opposite the pull-out direction. The pull-in system comprises a pull-in unit (7) for each of the pull-out furniture parts (1). Each pull-in unit has a pull-in part (5) which is urged by a retracting spring (27) and which can be adjusted between a normal position and a standby position by a driver (2), wherein the driver (2) uncouples from the pull-in part (5) when the pull-out furniture part (1) is pulled out in the standby position, and each pull-in unit has a bearing unit (8) which supports the pull-in part (5) in a movable manner between the normal position and the standby position. The pull-in system further comprises at least one mounting rail (29) which can be fixed to the furniture body (30) and which has multiple mounting spaces (61). Each of the bearing units (8) can be fixed to a respective mounting space (61), and for this purpose each mounting space (61) has at least one mounting element (64, 65, 70, 71, 72, 77) for fixing the bearing unit (8) on the mounting rail (29). The bearing units (8) can be connected to the mounting rail (29) via snap-on connections.