Coupling device for a drawer guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices for drawers and pull-out runners require separate designs for left and right-hand attachments, complicating assembly and manufacturing, and increasing handling effort.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece coupling part with a symmetrical design and actuating element that can pivot both longitudinal struts, allowing for easy manual operation and reduced force component requirements for latching and unlocking, along with an integrated height adjustment device for versatile attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate coupling devices are used for left and right-hand attachments, then the latching function is reliable, but the device complexity and manufacturing effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatching functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is designed with a symmetrical structure where the actuating element can pivot both longitudinal struts simultaneously, allowing the same device to function for both left-hand and right-hand attachments. This universal design eliminates the need for separate coupling devices for each side, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable latching functionality.

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

2Reliability

If separate coupling devices are used for left and right-hand attachments, then the latching function is reliable, but the manufacturing effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatching functionVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single universal coupling device with symmetrical structure and dual actuation capability, the manufacturing process is simplified. Instead of producing and inventorying separate left and right-hand coupling devices, only one type needs to be manufactured, significantly reducing manufacturing effort and complexity while ensuring consistent latching reliability.

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

3Reliability

If separate coupling devices are used for left and right-hand attachments, then the latching function is reliable, but the assembly effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatching functionVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal coupling device can be installed on both left and right sides using the same orientation and procedure, eliminating the need for fitters to handle different device variants. This simplifies the assembly process, reduces training requirements, and increases productivity while maintaining the reliable latching function through the symmetrical design.

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

4Ease of operation

If the actuating element pivots both longitudinal struts, then the handling effort is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element is designed as an integrated component that combines the function of pivoting both longitudinal struts into a single motion. This merging of functions into one actuating mechanism reduces handling effort, as the user operates a single element rather than two separate controls, while the symmetrical structure keeps the overall device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3636104B1Coupling device for a drawer guide
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 REME MOEBELBESCHLAEGE GMBH
  • EP3636104B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3636104B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3636104B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for coupling a drawer to a guide rail of a drawer slide, comprising a fastening means for attaching the device to the drawer, a locking element for locking the device to the guide rail, an actuating element for moving the locking element into a coupling position in which the locking element is locked to the guide rail, and into a non-coupling position in which the locking element is not connected to the guide rail, wherein the fastening means, the locking element and the actuating element are integrally connected to one another to form a single coupling part, the coupling part having two parallel longitudinal struts on the outside of each of which the locking element is integrally formed.that the longitudinal struts are integrally formed with a first end on a base element of the coupling part which includes the fastening means, and that the actuating element projects from the same on a side of the two longitudinal struts facing each other.