Pull-Out Guide Synchronization Using Intermediate-Supported Pinion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pull-out guides for drawers face issues with synchronization of guide parts and carriages, leading to incorrect relative positions and excessive stress when loaded, which can prevent proper drawer closure and cause lowering during extraction.

Innovation Solution

A pull-out guide with a synchronization mechanism using a pinion supported on the intermediate guide part, interacting with racks on the fixed and movable guide parts, and featuring separate support elements for easy assembly and retrofitting, allowing for reliable and silent operation with reduced modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If synchronization means in the form of a gear supported by the intermediate guide part engaging racks on sliding carriages are used, then movement coordination is achieved, but constructive and assembly complexity increases and reliable control of guide part placement is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable control of guide part placementVSAvoidconstructive and assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a synchronization element supported by the intermediate guide part that acts as a mediator between the fixed and movable guide parts. This intermediary component coordinates the movement of both guide parts without requiring complex modifications to the sliding carriages, thereby achieving reliable placement control while maintaining relatively simple construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization system is segmented into distinct functional components: the synchronization element supported by the intermediate guide part, the fixed guide part with engagement section, and the movable guide part with engagement section. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly compared to integrated gear-rack systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a double gear supported by the intermediate guide part engaging racks on both movable guide part and sliding carriage is used, then some synchronization is achieved, but constructive complexity increases and correct mutual positioning is not assured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrect mutual positioning of guide partsVSAvoidconstructive complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization element serves as an intermediary that connects the fixed and movable guide parts through their respective engagement sections. This intermediary approach ensures correct mutual positioning by coordinating movements through a single supported element rather than complex double gear mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of supporting the synchronization mechanism on the sliding carriage or movable guide part, the patent inverts the approach by supporting the synchronization element on the intermediate guide part. This inversion simplifies the system and ensures more reliable positioning control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If no synchronization means are used, then constructive simplicity is maintained, but incorrect relative positions and excessive stresses occur leading to drawer lowering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstructive simplicityVSAvoiddrawer position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization element acts as a minimal intermediary component that prevents incorrect relative positions and excessive stresses while maintaining constructive simplicity. This single supported element coordinates movements without requiring complex multi-component synchronization systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the key parameter of support location for the synchronization mechanism from the sliding carriage or movable guide part to the intermediate guide part. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both simplicity and reliability simultaneously by placing the synchronization element on the most suitable structural component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution ensures coordinated movement of guide parts, optimal load distribution, and reduced stress on guide components, preventing drawer lowering and ensuring smooth operation.

Implementation Method 1

guide synchronization means which comprise at least one synchronization element (16) supported by the intermediate guide part (13) and contoured to functionally connect to each other the fixed guide part (11) and the movable guide part (12) during the extraction or retraction movement of the pull-out guide (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentEP3713449B1Pull-out guide for drawers or the like
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 ARTURO SALICE SPA
  • EP3713449B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3713449B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3713449B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pull-out guide (10) for drawers or the like comprising a fixed guide part (11) fastenable to the body of a piece of furniture, a movable guide part (12) fixable to a drawer or the like, an intermediate guide part (13) between the fixed guide part (11) and the movable guide part (12), wherein at least one first sliding carriage (14) is interposed between the fixed guide part (11) and the intermediate guide part (13) and at least one second carriage (15) is interposed between the movable guide part (12) and the intermediate guide part (13); means of synchronizing the pull-out guide is further provided which comprise at least one synchronization element (16) arranged on the intermediate guide part (13) and contoured to functionally connect the fixed guide part (11) and the movable guide part (12) to each other during the pull-out or retraction movement of the pull-out guide (10).