Pull-out device for at least two pull-out furniture parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pull-out locking devices for furniture often restrict simultaneous extension of multiple pull-out furniture parts due to limited displacement space for locking rods, preventing them from being pulled out simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a catch arm pivotably mounted about a stationary axis, acted upon by a retraction spring, which pivots to adjust the actuating part and locking rods, allowing each pull-out furniture part to be extended alternately while enabling heavy-duty usage and integrated self-closing with damping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If locking rods are used with limited displacement space, then the device structure is simple, but multiple pull-out furniture parts cannot be pulled out simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous pull-out capabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking units, each with its own locking rod and actuating part. Each locking unit can operate independently to control individual pull-out furniture parts, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple drawers while maintaining a relatively simple structural design for each unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating parts are designed to pivot about axes parallel to the longitudinal axes of the locking rods, creating a three-dimensional movement pattern. This dimensional approach allows the actuating parts to move through different positions (initial, intermediate, end) to control multiple locking rods simultaneously, enabling versatile pull-out functionality without significantly increasing device complexity.

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

2Volume of moving object

If locking rods are displaceable in limited space, then the device is compact, but the locking rods are blocked by stops against further displacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidlocking range
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking rods are designed with dynamic displacement capabilities within a compact range. The actuating parts pivot through defined angular ranges to move the locking rods between retracted, intermediate, and extended positions. This dynamic design allows the locking mechanism to achieve multiple locking states and control ranges while maintaining a compact device volume through optimized movement paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If actuating parts are pivoted about axes parallel to locking rods, then heavy-duty usage is enabled, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidactuation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating parts are designed with universal functionality to handle both light and heavy loads through a standardized pivoting mechanism. Each actuating part can control multiple locking rods simultaneously and operates through the same initial, intermediate, and end positions regardless of the specific application. This multi-functional design enables heavy-duty usage while avoiding the need for complex specialized mechanisms for different load conditions.

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

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 allows for a compact, stable, and heavy-duty pull-out locking system where multiple furniture parts can be pulled out alternately, with the integrated damping mechanism ensuring smooth retraction and self-closing, accommodating furniture with high load capacities.

Implementation Method 1

which is acted upon by the retraction spring of this locking unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The pivoting of the catch arm from the end position to the initial position is dampened by a damping device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2807320B1Pull-out device for at least two pull-out furniture parts
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 FULTERER AG & CO KG
  • EP2807320B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2807320B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2807320B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device for blocking the pull-out movement of at least two pull-out furniture parts (1) comprises, for each of the pull-out furniture parts (1), a driver (2), for each of the pull-out furniture parts (1), a locking unit (60) which has an actuating part (47) that is shifted when the pull-out furniture parts (1) are pulled out or retracted, and a retraction spring (27) that can retract the respective pull-out furniture part (1) associated therewith across a last section of the path covered when the pull-out furniture part is retracted into the furniture carcass (30), and locking rods (48, 49) which cooperate with the actuating parts (47), a respective actuating part (47) that is shifted owing to the movement of the driver (2) associated therewith when the pertaining pull-out furniture part (2) is pulled out and that displaces at least one of the locking rods (48, 49) in the direction of their longitudinal axis, the locking rods (48, 49) being blocked from any further axial displacement by a stop (59). Each of the locking units (60) has a swivelably mounted catch arm (5) that can be swiveled about a stationary swivel axis (6) lying in parallel to the longitudinal axes of the locking rods (48, 49) and is loaded by the retraction spring (27) of the respective locking unit (60), the catch arm being swiveled by the driver (2) associated therewith from an initial position to a final position when the pertaining pull-out furniture part (1) is pulled out, thereby shifting the actuating part (47) of said locking unit (60).