Segmented Self-Retracting Drawer Slide for Adjustable Closing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-closing devices for furniture require multiple energy accumulators with varying spring constants for different applications, leading to high storage costs and assembly challenges due to high tensile forces.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing device with an adjustable energy accumulator divided into segments, allowing the functional length to be adjusted by a detachable fixing element, which changes the restoring force, enabling adaptation to various purposes without the need for multiple springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy accumulators with different spring constants are used for different applications, then the restoring force can be adapted to various purposes, but storage costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy accumulator is divided into multiple segments that can be selectively connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the functional length of the energy accumulator to be adjusted by changing the number of connected segments, thereby adapting the restoring force to different applications without requiring multiple complete energy accumulators with different spring constants.
2Force
If tension springs with high spring constants are used, then heavy drawers can be closed, but the housing may be damaged due to high tensile force and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the energy accumulator, the installation process can begin with only one segment connected, reducing the initial tensile force on the housing. Additional segments can be connected later when the housing is already in place and can better withstand the accumulated force, or when assembly tools are available.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing can be assembled first in a relaxed state, and then the additional energy accumulator segments are connected subsequently. This preliminary action allows the housing to be positioned and secured before the full restoring force is applied, preventing damage during assembly.
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 solution simplifies the structural setup, reduces storage costs, and allows for secure assembly by adjusting the restoring force according to application needs, enhancing the versatility and reliability of the self-closing device.
Implementation Method 1
The self-closing device essentially comprises an energy store, which is arranged on a housing that is fixed to a guide rail... a special energy store, usually designed as a tension spring... the restoring force of the energy accumulator can be adjusted
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a self-retracting device (5) of a displaceable furniture part, comprising a housing (7, 8), at least one energy store (10) disposed on the housing and that can be tensioned when the displaceable furniture part is opened, a tensioning mechanism operationally connected to the at least one energy store (10) for pretensioning the at least one energy store against a driver (6) displaceably disposed on the housing, wherein the at least one energy store (10) is divided into at least two segments (11, 12, 13), wherein the functional length of the energy store (10) is adjustable by at least one fixing element (20, 21) releasably lockable to the housing (7, 8) and engaging between two segments (11, 12, 13) of the energy store (10). The invention further relates to a drawer slide.