A fixing unit, a moveable assembly, a base unit and a method for releasing a moveable assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer systems lack flexibility, construction efficiency, and user comfort in fixing and releasing movable units, particularly in cable management systems, which affect handling and maintenance operations.

Innovation Solution

A movable fixing unit that can be parallelly moved relative to the direction of the movable unit to facilitate easy release and fixation, equipped with operating elements on opposite sides for enhanced flexibility and comfort, and a compact design with spring elements for secure locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed locking mechanism is used to secure the movable unit in the guiding rail, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex release procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidease of release
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic movable position along the guiding rail. The fixing unit can be moved parallel to the move direction of the movable unit to release it, enabling easy operation while maintaining secure fixation when locked

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A separate fixing unit acts as an intermediary component between the movable unit and the guiding rail. This fixing unit with operating elements provides a user-friendly interface for locking and releasing, simplifying the operation while ensuring reliable fixation through its engagement with the guiding rail

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If operating elements are added to both sides of the movable unit for easier handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling comfortVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing unit serves multiple functions: it provides locking engagement with the guiding rail, offers operating elements on both sides for user interaction, and enables both fixation and release operations. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation without requiring separate components for each function

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

Solution Approach 2:

The operating elements on both sides are integrated into a single fixing unit structure. By combining the locking mechanism and user interface elements into one unified component, the design achieves bilateral operability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact fixing mechanism is used to minimize space occupation, then the volume is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing unit sizeVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing unit utilizes the depth dimension by extending beyond the front face of the movable unit. This allows operating elements to be positioned in a location that is both space-efficient (within the overall compact structure) and easily accessible to users from the front side

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If the fixing unit is made movable parallel to the move direction for easy release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease mechanismVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing unit is designed with movable components that can shift position parallel to the move direction. This dynamic capability allows simple push or pull operations to engage or disengage the locking mechanism, providing easy release functionality through straightforward linear motion rather than complex multi-step procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances flexibility and user comfort by providing efficient, compact, and secure fixation and release mechanisms, allowing easy handling and maintenance without disturbing surrounding components.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element, which is implemented for transferring the fixing unit from the release position into the rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4203634B1A fixing unit, a moveable assembly, a base unit and a method for releasing a moveable assembly
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 REICHLE & DE-MASSARI
  • EP4203634B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4203634B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4203634B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is based on a fixing unit (20, 20a) for reversibly fixing a movable unit (18, 18a). For the purpose of providing a fixing unit with improved characteristics regarding flexibility, construction and/or a fixation, it is proposed that the fixing unit (20, 20a) is movable parallel to a move direction (28, 28a) of the movable unit (18, 18a) into a release position in order to release the movable unit (18, 18a) from a guiding rail (26, 26a).