Slide Assembly Spring Adjustment for Consistent Drawer Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional push-open type slide structures fail to adjust elastic force effectively, leading to inconsistent drawer opening positions when handling different loads, especially heavy objects, and can confuse users when multiple drawers have varying loads.

Innovation Solution

An elastic force adjustment device with a fixing member, movable member, adjustment frame, and elastic members that allow for adjustable stored elastic force by changing the relative positions of the adjustment frame and threaded rod, enabling precise control of the travel distance of the rails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed elastic force device is used in the push-open type slide structure, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the drawer cannot open to the desired position when carrying different loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different loadsVSAvoidcomplexity of elastic force adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed elastic force device into an adjustable one. The adjustment frame can be positioned at different locations along the threaded rod, changing the compression distance of the elastic member and thus the elastic force output. This makes the system adaptable to different drawer loads while maintaining a relatively simple structure through a single adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the compression distance of the elastic member to be varied. By adjusting the position of the adjustment frame along the threaded rod, the compression distance parameter changes, which directly changes the elastic force parameter. This enables the same device to handle different loads by simply changing one parameter without adding complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the elastic force is increased to handle heavy loads, then heavy drawers can be opened, but light drawers may open too quickly or uncontrollably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelastic force magnitudeVSAvoidcontrol over drawer opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics by making the elastic force adjustable rather than fixed. The adjustment frame can be positioned to create different compression distances, allowing the elastic force to be dynamically adapted to match the drawer load. This provides precise control over the opening force, preventing both insufficient force for heavy loads and excessive force for light loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the compression distance of the elastic member to control the elastic force magnitude. For heavy drawers, the adjustment frame is positioned to maximize compression distance and elastic force. For light drawers, the compression distance is reduced to provide gentler, more controllable opening. This single parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between force magnitude and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple drawers have fixed elastic force settings, then the device structure is simple, but drawers with varying loads open to different positions confusing users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of drawer opening positionVSAvoidcomplexity of individual adjustment per drawer
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by providing an independent adjustment mechanism for each drawer. Each drawer's slide assembly has its own adjustment frame and threaded rod configuration, allowing individual elastic force adjustment. This segmentation enables each drawer to be optimized for its specific load while maintaining overall system simplicity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics by making each drawer's elastic force adjustable rather than fixed. The adjustment frame on each drawer can be independently positioned to achieve the desired opening position consistency. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures that despite varying loads across multiple drawers, all drawers can open to consistent, predictable positions, resolving the contradiction between stability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise adjustment of the elastic force to ensure drawers open to a desired position, accommodating varying loads and improving user convenience by allowing customizable elastic force settings for each drawer.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member (32) having two ends which are respectively connected to the movable member (26) and the adjustment frame (28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2389837B1Elastic force adjustment device for slide assembly
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP2389837B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2389837B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2389837B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An elastic force adjustment device (16) for slide assembly includes a fixing member (24), a movable member (26), an adjustment member (30) and at least one elastic member (32). The fixing member (24) includes a threaded rod (34) and a longitudinal body (36). A longitudinal guiding portion (38) is located between two ends of the longitudinal body (36). The adjustment frame (28) has a mounting portion (42) connected to the threaded rod (34). The adjustment member (30) contacts the adjustment frame (28) and has a threaded portion (44) threadedly connected to the threaded rod (34). The at least one elastic member (32) has two ends which are respectively connected to the movable member (26) and the adjustment frame (28). A force of the at least one elastic member (32) or the position of the movable member is adjusted by rotating the adjustment member (30) on the threaded rod (34).