Pull-Out Guide Driver with Mirror-Symmetrical Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture fitting systems require two different drivers for opposite sides of a pull-out guide, leading to higher production costs and storage needs, and existing solutions face challenges with complex fastening mechanisms that are difficult to detach without damage.

Innovation Solution

A driver with a second fastening device mirror-symmetrical to the first allows the same driver to be used on both sides, featuring a pin and pin receptacle for easy attachment and detachment, simplifying the fastening process and eliminating the need for duplicate storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a driver is designed with asymmetric fastening for one side only, then the fastening mechanism is simple, but two different drivers are required per drawer increasing production costs and inventory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver production simplicityVSAvoidnumber of different driver types
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The driver is designed with asymmetric fastening features (pin on one side, pin receptacle on the other) that allow a single driver type to be used on both sides of the drawer by rotating it 180 degrees. This asymmetry enables universal compatibility while maintaining simple manufacturing of a single driver design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The driver is designed as a universal component that can be installed on both the left and right sides of the drawer by rotating it. The same driver performs the fastening function on either side, eliminating the need for separate left-handed and right-handed drivers, thus reducing inventory requirements.

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

2Reliability

If a secure fastening mechanism is used, then the connection is reliable, but removal requires spreading tabs or external force causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening connection securityVSAvoiddriver removal simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism transitions from a static interference fit to a dynamic pivoting motion. The driver rotates around the pin during installation, allowing easy attachment and detachment without requiring forceful spreading or external tools, while maintaining secure connection during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: the pin serves as both the fastening element and the pivot axis. This segmentation allows the driver to be attached and detached through simple rotational motion around the pin, eliminating the need for complex tab-spreading mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If both connecting pieces are threaded into tabs simultaneously, then the fastening is complete, but the limited space and cluttered drawer area make this problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening completionVSAvoidinstallation space requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin is positioned and oriented before the driver is fully inserted. By pre-aligning the pin with the insertion channel opening, the driver can be attached in a single smooth motion without requiring simultaneous manipulation of multiple components in tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening process uses a dynamic pivoting motion around the pin rather than simultaneous linear insertion of multiple pieces. This rotational approach reduces the complexity of coordination required during installation and minimizes the space needed for the installer's hands and tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3737262B1Arrangement consisting of a pull-out guide and a driver
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP3737262B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3737262B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3737262B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (1) consisting of a first pull-out guide (3a) for a movable furniture part (2) and a driver (4a) for a drive device (5) for moving the movable furniture part (2) in relation to a furniture body (6), in which: the driver (4a) comprises a driver projection (7) that can be actively connected to the drive device (5); a first fastening device (8) is provided with a part (8a) which is arranged on the driver (4a) and a part (8b) which is arranged on the first pull-out guide (3a), by means of which the driver (4a) can be fastened to the first pull-out guide (3a); one part (8a, 8b) of the first fastening device (8) is embodied as a pin (9), and one part (8a, 8b) is embodied as a pin-receiving element (10) corresponding to the pin (9); the pin (9) is positioned obliquely to the longitudinal extension (L) of the first pull-out guide (3a), and the pin-receiving element comprises an insertion channel (11) for the pin (9), which comprises a throat (E); the driver (4a) comprises a part (12a) of a second fastening device (12), which is embodied as a pin (9) or as a pin-receiving element (10), for optional fastening of the driver (4a) to a second pull-out guide (3b) which is substantially laterally reversed in relation to the first pull-out guide (3a); and the part (8a) of the first fastening device (8), which is arranged on the driver (4a), is arranged on the driver (4a) such that it is laterally reversed in relation to the part (12a) of the second fastening device (12), arranged on the driver (4a).