Apparatus, rail guide and item of furniture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for controlling the movement of two rail guides in furniture are difficult to assemble and mount, particularly due to the challenging axial introduction of connection elements.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization device with a connection element that connects two ejection units, each with an adapter member, allowing for easy assembly and synchronization of the rail guides, featuring a connection element with a fitting contour and a closure portion that securely engages with the adapter member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection element is used to synchronize two ejection units, then the movement synchronization is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to challenging axial introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is divided into two separate end portions that can be independently inserted into the adapter members. This segmentation allows each end to be axially introduced separately, significantly reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining the synchronization function between the two ejection units.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of introducing the connection element axially through difficult-to-reach areas, the solution inverts the approach by having the end portions protrude laterally from the adapter members. This allows assembly to proceed from easily accessible lateral directions rather than through constrained axial paths.
2Strength
If the connection element has a larger diameter for strength, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates due to difficulty in axial introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element transitions from a purely axial insertion approach to a lateral protrusion configuration. By changing the dimensional orientation from axial to lateral, the design accommodates both strength requirements (through adequate cross-sectional dimensions) and assembly ease (through accessible lateral insertion paths).
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter members serve as intermediary components that facilitate the connection. They provide recesses that receive the end portions of the connection element, enabling secure attachment while allowing for easy assembly through lateral access. The adapter members mediate between the strength requirements of the connection and the assembly ease requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling the movement of two guide units having a first and second ejection units, including a synchronization device having a connection element which connects together and synchronizes the first and second ejection units. Each ejection unit has an adapter member that provides a receiving portion having a receiving volume in which the end portion of the connection element can be accommodated. The receiving volume is surrounded over a partial circumference by a fixed wall of the adapter member, and over a remaining circumferential portion with respect to the partial circumference a closure portion of the adapter member is provided. The closure portion is pivotably articulated to the adapter member and can be pivoted from an open position reversibly into a secured closure position of the closure portion, wherein in the closure position of the closure portion the remaining circumferential portion is closed.