Synchronized Drawer Ejection Mechanism to Prevent Skewed Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture locking and ejection mechanisms often result in skewed drawer positions due to uneven ejection forces and lack of synchronization, leading to incomplete drawer extension and potential wedging issues, especially with wide drawers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of synchronizable ejection devices connected by a rotatable synchronization rod, which converts linear carriage movement into rotary movement, ensuring uniform force transmission and preventing inclined positions during locking and unlocking, using a transmission system like a rack and gear mechanism for direct force flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking and ejection devices are implemented with individual fitments on each side, then the drawer can be locked and ejected, but the ejection forces occur differently and independently on both sides causing skew positions and non-uniform ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking element and ejector into a single integrated ejection device that performs both locking and ejection functions. The locking element is mounted on a linearly displaceable carriage that is directly coupled to the ejector, eliminating the need for separate locking and ejection mechanisms. This integration ensures that both functions are synchronized through a single actuation point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a synchronization rod as an intermediary element that couples the ejection devices on both sides of the drawer. The synchronization rod transmits the ejection force uniformly to both sides, ensuring synchronized movement and preventing skew positions. This intermediary mechanism coordinates the independent fitments to work together harmoniously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ejection travel distance is increased to allow overpressing from the diagonally opposite side, then the drawer can be opened from any position, but the overpressing force has to be passed along a long distance causing twisting and delayed unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization rod acts as an intermediary that transmits the overpressing force directly and simultaneously to both locking elements, regardless of where the force is applied. This eliminates the need for force to travel long distances through the drawer structure, preventing twisting and ensuring immediate unlocking response from any overpressing position.
3Length of moving object
If the drawer is allowed to extend completely to the end of the furniture body, then the available space is maximized, but the locking and ejection devices require space behind the drawer reducing the extension distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the ejection devices from a rear-mounted configuration to a front-mounted configuration on the drawer. By placing the locking elements and ejectors on the front surface of the drawer rather than behind it, the design eliminates the space requirement behind the drawer, allowing the drawer to extend completely to the end of the furniture body.
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 ensures reliable and synchronized unlocking and ejection of drawers, preventing skewing and allowing complete extension without additional space requirements, as the synchronization rod maintains uniform force distribution across the drawer's surface.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded ejectors
Implementation Method 2
using a transmission system like a rack and gear mechanism for direct force flow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for locking and ejecting a movable furniture part, comprising two unlockable ejection devices arranged on both sides of a furniture body or on the movable furniture part, and spring-loaded ejectors, wherein the unlockable ejection devices comprise a catch element mounted on a linearly displaceable carriage, the catch element engaging into a slotted guide path having the shape of a heart curve and by which the movable furniture part can be held in a closed latching position (E) via a locking element. According to the invention, this latching position (E) can be released by overpressing the movable furniture part towards the interior, wherein the linearly displaceable carriages of the two unlockable ejector devices are motionally coupled via a rotatable synchronization rod.