Guide device for sliding and rotatable partition elements and functional unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide devices for displaceable and rotatable separating elements in functional units, such as cupboards and kitchens, require significant space and complex designs, limiting their universality and causing mechanical noise and load issues, while also being aesthetically unappealing when visible.
Innovation Solution
A guide device with a guide carriage that can be displaced along a running rail and connected rotatably to a separating element, featuring a carriage body with idler wheels and a hinge lever that allows the separating element to be stably moved and rotated, taking up minimal space and being hidden from view, enabling easy operation with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide rails and drive mechanisms are mounted on both underside and top of cabinet, then separating elements can be guided and driven, but device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the guiding and driving functions from the traditional dual-side configuration and consolidates them into a single guide device mounted only on the front of the cabinet. The guide carriage integrates both guiding rollers and drive mechanisms within a single structure that attaches to the front surface, eliminating the need for separate mounting on underside and top.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide carriage merges the guiding function (via rollers) and driving function (via drive mechanisms) into a single integrated component. This combined structure is mounted on the front of the cabinet, consolidating multiple functions into one location and reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional guide devices are used, then separating elements can be moved, but mechanical noise and load issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The guide carriage acts as an intermediary component between the separating element and the cabinet front. It provides a buffered connection that reduces direct mechanical contact and impact forces, thereby minimizing noise generation while maintaining smooth movement capability.
3Ease of operation
If guide device elements are visible after wall elements are opened, then mechanism can be seen, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device is strategically positioned and designed so that its functional elements (rollers, drive mechanisms) are located in areas that remain hidden when the cabinet is in closed position. The mounting on the front surface allows the mechanism to be concealed behind the cabinet facade while maintaining full functionality.
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 provides a compact, stable, and aesthetically pleasing mechanism for folding and unfolding separating elements, allowing for efficient use in various functional units without additional space requirements and minimizing mechanical noise and load, while ensuring easy operation and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The guide carriage (2) comprises a carriage body (20) with a bearing wheel (26) and two guide wheels (29)
Implementation Method 2
a hinge lever (32) connected to a guide hinge (3) and to a first separating element (5A) in such a way that the separating element (5A) can be rotated by the hinge lever (32)
Implementation Method 3
The guide carriage (2) can be moved along a guide rail (4)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~9
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The device (1) has a guide carriage (2) slidable along a running rail (4) and pivotally connectable to a separation element (5A). The guide carriage comprises a carriage body with a carriage head and a carriage foot. The carriage head and the carriage foot are connected with one another by a connecting beam. The carriage head holds a support wheel (26) and guide wheels. The carriage foot is torque-proof connected with an end piece of a hinge lever (32). Another end piece is pivotally held by a hinge shaft that is connectable to a sidewall of the separation element. An independent claim is also included for a functional entity.