Runner Assembly with Dual-Bearing Tracks for Secure Drawer Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer systems in vehicles, especially those designed for off-road use, face issues with vibrations, forces, and environmental exposures leading to mechanical failure and unintended drawer extension, which can compromise security and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A runner assembly comprising pairs of first and second bearings, an elongate runner with first tracks, and an elongate track member with second tracks, allowing the drawer to be securely carried and locked in place, while minimizing exposure to environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is arranged in a front face to lock the drawer to the cabinet, then the drawer can be secured in the closed position, but the locking mechanism adds substantial bulk and weight to the drawer which detracts from ease-of-use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the drawer front face and relocated to the runner mechanism at the rear of the drawer. The runner now performs both the sliding function and the locking function, eliminating the need for a separate front-face locking mechanism and reducing drawer bulk and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The runner mechanism is given multiple functions: it provides the sliding motion for drawer access and simultaneously provides the locking function to secure the drawer in the closed position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking components on the drawer front.
2Strength
If the runner mechanism retains a portion of the drawer within the cabinet, then adequate support for the drawer and maximum cargo load is provided, but access to the contents of the drawer in the full-extension position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The runner mechanism dynamically adjusts its locking behavior based on drawer position. At the closed position, the runner retains the drawer within the cabinet for support. At the full-extension position, the runner releases the drawer to allow complete access to contents, providing both support and accessibility as needed.
3Ease of operation
If the drawer is made accessible in the full-extension position, then complete access to contents is provided, but the drawer can inadvertently extend from the cabinet due to forces and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The runner mechanism applies preliminary locking action to prevent the drawer from inadvertently extending. The runner engages with the drawer at the closed position and maintains this engagement through normal vibrations and forces, only releasing when the drawer reaches the full-extension position where complete access is needed.
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 enhances the durability and reliability of drawer systems by minimizing exposure to harsh environments and providing secure locking mechanisms, thus improving maintenance intervals and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The runner assembly includes: at least one pair of first bearings, each first bearing being mountable to the structure so that the first bearings of the, or each, pair of first bearings are spaced apart; an elongate runner defining a longitudinal length and having an opposed pair of first tracks spaced from each other, each first track configured to cooperate with the first bearings to allow the runner to be carried by the first bearings
Data Source
AI summary
Runner assembly 10 for carrying a receptacle 12 towards and away from a structure 14. The runner assembly 10 includes: at least one pair of first bearings 16, each first bearing 16 being mountable to the structure 14 so that the first bearings 16 of the, or each, pair are spaced apart; an elongate runner 18 defining a longitudinal length and having an opposed pair of first tracks 22 spaced from each other, each first track 22 configured to cooperate with the first bearings 16 to allow the runner 18 to be carried by the first bearings 16; at least one second bearing 24 mounted to the runner 18; and an elongate track member 26 mountable to the receptacle 12, the track member 26 having a second track 28 defining at least one pair of opposed bearing surfaces 30, 31 spaced from each other and configured to cooperate with the at least one second bearing 24 to allow the track member 26 to be carried by the at least one second bearing 24.