Pull-in device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retraction devices for sliding doors and drawers cannot easily align them in an intermediate position, requiring large installation spaces and lacking in operational ease and precision.

Innovation Solution

A retraction device with a release part that adjusts between parking positions, coupled with restoring devices acting in opposite directions, and a catch element with detachable coupling pieces, allowing the sliding door to be positioned and held in an intermediate position, and adjusted in both directions, using springs and dampers to control movement and prevent hard impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a retraction device uses two tension springs and two dampers with carriage arms as described in DE 20 2010 007 230 U1, then a sliding door can be aligned in a middle position, but the device requires a relatively large installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment capability in middle positionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The retraction device is divided into modular components: a retraction unit with spring and damper, and a positioning unit with release part and coupling pieces. This segmentation allows the functions of middle position alignment and space efficiency to be achieved through coordinated operation of separate modules rather than a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release part is designed to be adjustable between different parking positions (first and second parking positions), enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the driver receptacle location. This adjustability allows the same device to accommodate different alignment requirements without requiring additional installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If a retraction device is designed to align sliding doors in intermediate positions, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver and driver receptacle act as intermediary elements that simplify the interaction between the sliding door and the retraction device. The driver on the sliding door engages with the adjustable driver receptacle on the release part, providing a simple mechanical interface that achieves precise positioning without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The release part serves multiple functions: it holds the driver receptacle, it can be adjusted between different parking positions for different alignment needs, and it couples with the retraction unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.

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

3Ease of operation

If a retraction device uses adjustable release part with driver receptacle and coupling pieces, then ease of operation is improved, but the quantity of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidpart count
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The release part combines multiple functions into a single component: it houses the driver receptacle, provides adjustability between parking positions, and incorporates coupling pieces for connecting the restoring devices. This merging reduces the overall part count compared to having separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling pieces are pre-configured on the release part and can be detachably coupled to the restoring devices before operation. This preliminary configuration simplifies the operation during use, as the user only needs to engage the driver with the receptacle without complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables easy alignment and secure positioning of sliding doors in intermediate and end positions, improving usability and reducing the complexity and part count of the device, while ensuring gentle braking and precise alignment.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the restoring devices has a spring and a damper and that the tensile force of the spring counteracts the damping force of the damper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the tensile force of the spring counteracts the damping force of the damper, so that the sliding door is braked and this is gently braked

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2694765B1Pull-in device
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 KARL SIMON GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2694765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2694765B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2694765B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pull-in device, in particular for sliding doors, drawers or the like, with a release part which has a driver receptacle, wherein the release part is adjustable between a first and a second parking position, wherein, in the first parking position, the release part releases the driver receptacle in a first direction and, in the second parking position, releases the driver receptacle in a second direction, and wherein the release part is couplable between the parking positions to two oppositely acting resetting devices. With said pull-in device, the sliding door can be precisely fixed in position in the intermediate position with little structural outlay.