Modular Push Device Assembly Using Integrated Holder Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pushing devices for furniture and household appliances are complex to assemble and require numerous components, making them difficult to manufacture and install efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A pushing device with a base that rests on four holders fixed to pull-out guides, using non-positive fixation without additional fasteners, and holders with groove-shaped receptacles for easy assembly of side walls and panels, allowing for flexible material selection and design, including elastic or rubberized materials for enhanced stability and displacement prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional fastening means are used for force-fitting fixation, then the stability and reliability of the base on holders is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of base on holdersVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder integrates multiple functions: it provides support for the base, prevents displacement through angular walls, and secures panel elements through groove-shaped receptacles. This merging of support, positioning, and fastening functions into a single component eliminates the need for separate fastening means while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder's angular walls and groove-shaped receptacles are designed to automatically prevent displacement and secure elements when the base is placed on the holders. The structure itself provides the fixation mechanism without requiring additional fastening components, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerous customized components are used for preassembled drawer units, then the adaptability and functionality are improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer configuration optionsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed as a universal component that can support different types of bases (wood, plastic, glass, grate/grid designs) and secure various panel elements (side walls, rear walls, front panels). The groove-shaped receptacles accommodate different panel configurations without requiring customized fasteners for each variant.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The drawer unit is divided into modular components (base, side walls, rear wall, front panel, holders) that can be assembled independently and then combined. The holders serve as standardized connection points that facilitate the assembly of modular elements without requiring complex preassembly of entire drawer units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If precise geometric fitting is used for fasteners, then the manufacturing precision and connection strength are improved, but the ease of operation and assembly speed is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastener geometry precisionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The angular walls and groove-shaped receptacles are designed to automatically align and secure elements through their geometry alone. When the base is placed on the holders, the angular walls automatically prevent displacement, and the groove-shaped receptacles automatically secure the panel elements without requiring precise alignment or additional fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The complex fastening function is extracted from separate fastener components and integrated into the holder structure itself. The holder's geometry (angular walls and groove-shaped receptacles) inherently provides the fixation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate precision-fasteners and simplifying the assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4231875B1Push device and method for installing a push device
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4231875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4231875B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4231875B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

The invention relates to a push device (4) for furniture (100) or domestic appliances (1), comprising a first pull-out guide (5) and a second pull-out guide (5), wherein each of the two pull-out guides (5) has a stationary guide track (6) and at least one running rail (7) which can be displaced relative to the guide track (6), and on each running rail (7) there is fixed a front holder (9, 9') and a rear holder (10, 10'), wherein a bottom (11, 11') rests on all four holders (9, 9', 10, 10') and is secured by means of stops on the holders (9, 9', 10, 10') so that it cannot be displaced. The invention further relates to a method for installing a push device (4).