Pull-Out Guide Ejector With Force-Release Driver Contour
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ejection devices for pull-out guides in furniture are prone to damage and destruction due to improper use, such as pulling on the drawer, leading to a complete loss of function.
Innovation Solution
The ejection device features a driver with contours designed to lower into the guide housing when a certain tensile force is applied, allowing the activator to disengage and preventing damage, thus incorporating protection and energy transmission into a single component, eliminating the need for separate costly components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ejector is designed with a locked mechanism to hold the drawer in position, then the drawer can be securely held in closed and open positions, but the ejector becomes vulnerable to damage from improper use such as pulling on the drawer
Solution Approach 1:
The contour of the driver is designed to be dynamically changeable - it can be in a first state where it fully receives the activator for secure holding, and a second state where it lowers to allow disengagement. This dynamic transformation allows the same component to provide both secure holding and protection against misuse
Solution Approach 2:
The driver's contour changes its geometric parameters (position, shape) in response to applied force. When normal force is applied, the contour maintains its holding shape. When excessive force is applied, the contour changes to a lowered state that allows the activator to disengage, preventing damage
2Reliability
If separate components are added to protect against destruction, then the ejector becomes more robust against misuse, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The driver is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the coupling element between the activator and latching mechanism, holds the drawer in closed and open positions, transmits ejection energy, and protects against misuse through its changeable contour. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection components
Solution Approach 2:
The protection function against misuse is merged into the driver component itself through its changeable contour, rather than being implemented as a separate protective mechanism. This integration simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining protection capabilities
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 design effectively prevents damage to the ejection device during misuse by allowing the activator to disengage, ensuring the device remains functional and reducing the risk of component destruction.
Implementation Method 1
a force accumulator arranged in a latching mechanism... the pretensioned force accumulator presses the drawer in the opening direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the contours of the driver is designed with at least one ramp-like sliding surface, which rises away from an edge of the contour in a displacement direction of the driver. This makes it easier for the activator to run over a holding edge of the driver
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The ejector (4) has a catch (8) displaceable along guides (9, 17, 18) by an actuator (5) and fixable in an open position and a closed position. The catch is coupled with a locking mechanism to fix the catch in the closed position against force of an accumulator. Two contours are formed at the catch, are arranged at a distance from each other and form a recess (10) for accommodating the actuator. One of the contours is lowered in a direction of a guide housing, and is formed with a ramp-type sliding surface. An independent claim is also included for a slide comprising an ejector.