Pendulum-Synchronized Ejection Device for Compact Drawer Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ejection devices for movable furniture parts, such as drawers, often require a large installation space and complex assembly due to the need for synchronization mechanisms, which can limit their compact design and versatility across different types of furniture.

Innovation Solution

The use of pivotably mounted pendulums connected via a connecting rod allows for synchronized unlocking of ejection units, with the pendulums positioned below the drawer to reduce space requirements and leverage gravity for assistance, enabling a compact and versatile ejection device that can be used in various furniture types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional synchronization mechanisms (linkages, rods, gears) are used to coordinate two ejection units, then reliable synchronized unlocking is achieved, but the installation space requirement increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronized unlockingVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the synchronization function and ejection function into a single integrated mechanism. The pendulum arms are directly coupled to the ejection units, eliminating the need for separate synchronization linkages, rods, and gears. This merging of functions reduces the number of components and minimizes the installation space while maintaining reliable synchronized unlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pendulum mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the synchronization element and the ejection actuator. The pendulum arms are connected to the ejection units in such a way that their pivotal movement both coordinates the unlocking of both sides and directly drives the ejection action, making the mechanism multi-functional and space-efficient.

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

2Reliability

If traditional synchronization mechanisms with multiple components are used, then coordinated ejection is achieved, but the number of components increases making production and assembly complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordinated ejectionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into fewer components. The pendulum arm serves as both the synchronization linkage and the ejection actuator, eliminating the need for separate rods, gears, and linkages. This reduction in component count simplifies production and assembly while maintaining coordinated ejection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization and ejection function is divided into two simple pendulum arms that pivot independently but are coupled through their connection to the ejection units. This segmentation into simple, identical modules makes the system easier to manufacture and assemble compared to a single complex synchronization mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the connecting means is positioned in the rear area of the drawer, then synchronization is achieved, but the space requirement in the rear area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoidrear area space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the synchronization mechanism from a horizontal arrangement in the rear area to a vertical arrangement using pendulum arms that pivot in a vertical plane. The connecting rod connects the pendulum arms at a distance from their axes of rotation, allowing the mechanism to occupy vertical space rather than horizontal rear area space. This dimensional change enables synchronization without compromising the drawer's rear area.

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 solution provides a compact and efficient ejection device that simplifies synchronization and reduces space requirements, allowing for effective unlocking of movable furniture parts with minimal components and adaptable installation, suitable for a range of applications including drawers, doors, and other furniture types.

Implementation Method 1

The pendulums are so far down that the connecting rod can be positioned below a bottom of the drawer. In addition, gravity can then support the unlocking process, since the weight forces act on the pendulums in the unlocking direction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3487359B1Pushing-out device for a movable furniture part, and piece of furniture
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3487359B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3487359B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3487359B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pushing-out device for a movable furniture part (1), in particular a drawer, comprises a first pushing-out unit (7) with a first ejector element (10) which is prestressed by a first energy store (30), can be locked when the first energy store (30) is in a stressed position and, when unlocked, ejects the movable furniture part (1) in the opening direction, and also comprises a second pushing-out unit (7') with a second ejector element (10) which is prestressed by a second energy store (30), can be locked when the second energy store (30) is in its stressed position and, when unlocked, ejects the movable furniture part (1) in the opening direction, wherein the first pushing-out unit (7) is synchronized with the second pushing-out unit (7') in respect of the unlocking action via a coupling means, characterized in that the coupling means comprises at least one pivotably mounted pendulum (14). Optimum utilization of the installation space adjacent to a movable furniture part is thus possible.