Perfected guide for drawers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer guides fail to adequately support significant loads, minimize side clearance, and provide effective stopping mechanisms in a cost-effective and efficient manner, particularly during the closing phase of the drawer.
Innovation Solution
A guide comprising a stationary part with a supporting and guiding group featuring a 'L'-shaped frame, rollers, and a fork-shelf assembly that integrates vertical support, lateral guidance, and stopping functions, allowing the movable part to slide on rollers and act as a stop in both opening and closing phases without separate stop means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional drawer guides are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but they fail to adequately support significant loads and minimize side clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the supporting function and guiding function into a single integrated group (group 13), where the L-shaped frame structure simultaneously provides vertical support through its base and lateral guidance through its wall, eliminating the need for separate supporting and guiding components
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting and guiding group (group 13) performs multiple functions: it supports the weight of the drawer vertically, guides the movable part laterally to minimize side clearance, and acts as a stop mechanism in both opening and closing phases, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate components
2Reliability
If separate stop means are added to the guide, then stopping function is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting and guiding group (group 13) serves as a multi-functional component that includes integrated stop means, allowing it to provide both supporting/guiding functions and stopping function without requiring separate stop components, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stop means are merged into the supporting and guiding group (group 13) structure itself, where the fork and shelf components form part of the same assembly that provides support and guidance, eliminating the need for separate stop mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If rollers are used for movement, then ease of operation is improved, but lateral clearance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the movable part: rollers are used at specific locations to facilitate smooth movement, while the vertical sections S2 of the movable part are designed with specific geometries to minimize lateral clearance through the action of the guiding group's fork and shelf
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
The solution effectively supports heavy loads, minimizes lateral clearance, and provides reliable stopping without additional stop components, enhancing the operational efficiency and economy of drawer guides.
Implementation Method 1
The fork 16 carries a first rolling element consisting of a roller 18 rotating freely around a horizontal axis 19. A second rolling element consisting of a roller 20 rotating freely around a vertical axis 21, is assembled on the shelf 17.
Implementation Method 2
The roller 18 in contact with the section S1 sustains the weight of the drawer, conferring to the movable part 12 of the guide that is sliding on it, a greater capacity in a vertical direction.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A guide for drawers of the type consisting of a fixed part (11) (stationary) and a movable part (12) that can be moved on said fixed part (11) between two terminal positions, a first position corresponding to when the drawer is open, and a second position corresponding to when the drawer is closed, at least one roller cage (23) being interposed between said two fixed (11) and movable (12) parts, which can move together with said movable part (12) of the guide (10), said movable part (12) of the guide (10) having an overturned "U" section with an upper horizontal section (S1) and two opposing vertical side sections (S2). According to the invention, a supporting and guiding group (13) cooperates in the first position with said at least one roller cage (23), said supporting and guiding group (13) comprising first rolling elements (18) on which said horizontal section (S1) of said movable part (12) of the guide, rests, and second rolling elements (20) on which said opposing vertical sections (S2) slide, said first and second rolling elements (18, 20) being fixed in correspondence with the front free end of the fixed part (11) of the guide (10).