Offset Gear Drawer Synchronization for Full Pull-Out Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronization devices for drawers in furniture lack stability and space efficiency, as the axes of rotation of spur gears are aligned with the synchronization rod, limiting their applicability and causing disengagement of track gears during drawer pull-out.

Innovation Solution

The synchronization device features a design where the axes of rotation of the spur gears are offset from the synchronization rod's longitudinal axis, allowing for a compact horizontal arrangement and enabling the synchronization rod to be positioned closer to the drawer rear wall, thus allowing full drawer extension without disengaging the front track gears, and accommodating both ejection and non-ejection systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the axes of rotation of the spur gears are aligned with the synchronization rod, then the structure is simpler, but space is wasted and the drawer cannot be fully pulled out without disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent offsets the axes of rotation of the spur gears from the longitudinal axis of the synchronization rod, creating a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This dimensional repositioning allows the gears to be arranged in a compact configuration that optimizes space utilization while maintaining functional integrity, enabling the drawer to be fully pulled out without gear disengagement.

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

2Length of moving object

If the synchronization rod is positioned closer to the drawer rear wall, then the drawer can be fully pulled out, but the space behind the drawer is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer extension lengthVSAvoidspace behind drawer
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By offsetting the gear axes from the synchronization rod's longitudinal axis and arranging components on a substantially horizontal plane, the patent creates efficient three-dimensional space utilization. This allows the synchronization rod to be positioned closer to the drawer rear wall, maximizing the drawer's pull-out length while the offset gear arrangement ensures sufficient space remains behind the drawer for ejection devices or other components.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the axes of rotation of spur gears are offset from the synchronization rod, then space is saved and ejection device can be accommodated, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with ejection deviceVSAvoidgear arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The offset gear arrangement creates a universal synchronization device that can accommodate both drawers with ejection devices and drawers without ejection devices. The spatial offset of the gear axes from the synchronization rod's longitudinal axis, combined with arrangement on a substantially horizontal plane, provides the versatility needed to integrate with different drawer configurations and ejection system requirements.

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

4Volume of moving object

If the gear axes are offset from the synchronization rod, then compact design is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall device volumeVSAvoidaxis alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves compact design by arranging the spur gear axes offset from the synchronization rod's longitudinal axis and positioning all rotation axes on a substantially horizontal plane. This three-dimensional arrangement reduces the overall device volume while the horizontal plane constraint provides a clear manufacturing reference, helping to manage the precision requirements for axis alignment during assembly.

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

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

This design enhances the stability and universality of the drawer's running behavior by providing space for an ejection device behind the drawer, ensuring smooth operation and compact design, suitable for various drawer configurations.

Implementation Method 1

two spur gears (11, 21) which engage in two toothed racks (12, 22) of a rail extension guide (105), with a rotational movement of the two spur gears (11, 21) being coupled with a rotational movement of the synchronization rod (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP2797461B1Synchronisation device for a drawer
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP2797461B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2797461B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2797461B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a synchronisation device for stabilising the running behaviour of a drawer (101) in a furniture body (103), comprising a synchronising rod (1), wherein the synchronising rod (1) has a longitudinal axis (C), and two tracking gearwheels (11, 21) that engage in two racks (12, 22) of a rail pull-out guide (105), wherein a rotary movement of the two tracking gearwheels (11, 21) is coupled to a rotary movement of the synchronising rod (1), wherein the rotational axes (A, B) of all tracking gearwheels (11, 21) are spaced at a distance (X) from the longitudinal axis (C) of the synchronising rod.