Pull-Out Guide Synchronization Using Flexible Cable Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pull-out systems face challenges with wide drawer units, where offset movement of pull-out guides leads to undesirable tilting and mechanical loading issues, resulting in limited service life and noise due to rigid synchronization devices.

Innovation Solution

A pull-out system utilizing flexible deflection elements to synchronize the movement of movable rails, allowing for simple assembly, tolerance compensation, and low-noise operation by transmitting force through flexible means rather than rigid coupling rods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid synchronization devices (connecting rods, pinions, racks) are used to synchronize pull-out guides, then synchronization is achieved, but mechanical loading increases, service life is limited, and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid mechanical synchronization devices (connecting rods, pinions, racks) with a cable pull system that uses flexible cables and pulleys. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact and friction between rigid components, thereby reducing noise generation and extending service life while maintaining synchronization functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible cables instead of rigid connecting elements to synchronize the pull-out guides. The cables can flex and deflect as needed, accommodating movement variations and reducing mechanical stress, which prevents wear and noise while ensuring reliable synchronization over an extended service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If rigid synchronization devices are used, then synchronization is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and tolerance compensation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoidassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible cable system naturally accommodates manufacturing tolerances and misalignments through its flexibility, eliminating the need for precision machining and complex assembly procedures required by rigid synchronization devices. The cables can deflect and adapt to variations in rail positioning, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cable pull system acts as a flexible intermediary between the pull-out guides, allowing for easy adjustment and compensation of tolerances. The cables can be routed through pulleys and adjusted in tension, providing a simple assembly process that does not require precise alignment or complex mechanical interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If cable control is used to synchronize pull-out guides, then movement control is achieved, but with wide drawer units the pull-out guides are moved offset on opposite sides causing tilting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement controlVSAvoidtilting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A middle rail is introduced as an intermediary element between the pull-out guides to ensure synchronized movement. The middle rail is connected to both pull-out guides via cable pulls, acting as a mediator that equalizes the movement on both sides and prevents offset positioning that would cause tilting of wide drawer units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable pull system connected through the middle rail ensures that both pull-out guides are pulled with equal force and movement, creating equipotential conditions on both sides. This prevents differential movement that would cause the drawer unit to tilt, ensuring stable and level operation throughout the pulling motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 flexible deflection element ensures smooth, synchronized movement of pull-out guides, reducing tilting and noise, while allowing for easy assembly and extended service life by absorbing forces and adjusting tension.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible deflection element can be guided over at least one deflection roller on the rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the flexible deflection element ensures synchronized movement... by transmitting force through flexible means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3007588B1Pull-out system

Publication Date: 2021.10.06 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

A pull-out system comprises at least two pull-out guides (1, 1), each pull-out guide(1, 1) having a stationary rail (4) and at least one rail (2, 3) that can be moved relative to the stationary rail (4), means (10, 10') for synchronizing the movement of the movable rails (2, 3) being provided, said means (10, 10') comprising at least one flexible deflector element (11) for synchronization. In this way, the movement of wide or heavy pull-out units can be synchronized in a simple manner, producing little noise.