Storage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers require users to tilt and potentially risk contents falling or slipping when completely removing a drawer element, as existing pull-out limiting mechanisms do not allow for complete withdrawal without disengagement from the compartment opening.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pivotable stop tongues with elastic deformation, which extend from the drawer element's lateral outer wall sections, limit the drawer's pull-out distance and can be manually released to allow complete withdrawal by pivoting inward, ensuring the drawer remains horizontal and preventing accidental over-pull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stroke-limiting stop is arranged on the drawer element to prevent over-pulling, then the drawer element cannot be pulled out completely from the receiving compartment, but the drawer element can be completely removed only by tilting it which causes contents to slip or fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The stop tongue is designed as an elastically deformable, pivotable component rather than a fixed rigid structure. It can dynamically switch between two states: a basic position where it limits pull-out distance by engaging the counter-stop edge, and a release position where it pivots inward to allow complete removal. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction by providing both protection against accidental over-pull and enablement of intentional complete removal without tilting.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop tongue's position parameter is changed from fixed to variable through elastic deformation. By applying manual force, the stop tongue pivots from its basic position (engaging the counter-stop edge) to a release position (disengaged from the counter-stop edge), allowing the drawer element to be pulled out completely. This parameter change enables the system to transition between limiting and allowing complete removal states.
2Reliability
If the stop tongue is positioned to limit pull-out distance, then the drawer element is protected from over-pulling, but the stop tongue must be manually disengaged to remove the drawer completely
Solution Approach 1:
The stop tongue is implemented as a thin, elastically deformable component made of flexible material. This flexibility allows it to be easily pivoted between the basic position (engaging the counter-stop edge) and the release position (disengaged) by simple manual pressure. The flexible nature of the stop tongue reduces the complexity of the actuation mechanism compared to rigid locking systems, as it requires only minimal force to switch states.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the stop projection engages the counter-stop edge to specify maximum pull-out position, then the drawer element maintains stable horizontal position, but the drawer element cannot be completely pulled out without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The stop tongue provides dynamic stability rather than fixed constraint. In normal operation, it engages the counter-stop edge to maintain stable horizontal position and prevent over-pulling. When complete removal is needed, it can be dynamically switched to the release position by manual pressure, allowing the drawer element to be pulled out completely while remaining horizontal. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction between stability and complete withdrawal.
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 the complete removal of the drawer element while maintaining its horizontal position, preventing contents from falling and allowing for easy reinsertion without manual disengagement of the pull-out limiting mechanism, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
each having one in the transverse direction of the thrust have a stop projection projecting outwards away from the interior of the drawer, with a counter-stop edge arranged in the pull-out path of one of the stop projections being present on the container housing in the two lateral edge regions of the compartment opening, on which the associated stop projection can run when the drawer element is pulled out to specify the maximally pulled-out operating position, wherein the stop tongues can be pivoted reversibly inwards in the direction of the interior of the drawer into a release position by manual action
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a storage container (1) that has a container housing (2) in which at least one receiving compartment (10) is formed, and a drawer element (12) which can be pulled out and retracted is located in the receiving compartment. Pull out-limiting means (14) prevent the drawer element (12) from being accidentally pulled out beyond a maximum pull-out operating position. The pull out-limiting means (14) have stop tongues (66) which can be pivoted against lateral outer wall sections (63, 64) of the drawer element (12) by means of elastic deformation and each of which comprises a stop protrusion (73) that protrudes outwards. A counter stop edge (82) which is arranged on the container housing (2) is located in the pull-out path of each stop protrusion (73). If the drawer element (12) is pulled out completely, the stop tongues (66) can be bent by being manually acted upon such that the respective stop protrusion (73) can pass by the counter stop edge (82).