Smooth-running and compact linear bearings for drawers in extendable residential island

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• What was needed: drylin WSQ linear bearings, energy chains of the E2.10 and E2.15 series
• Requirements: In order to create as much storage space as possible in the adjustable piece of furniture "SQR" , compact guidances were sought for the drawers, which also matched the simple and elegant design. In addition, the moving cables for supplying energy to the SQR should be guided safely.
• Sector: Furniture / Industrial design
• Success for the customer: The quiet operation and design of the drylin WSQ linear bearings convinced the inventor. They are wear-resistant and durable as well as lubrication-free and therefore resistant to dust and dirt. In addition they take up less installation space than normal roller guides.

The cube "SQR" integrates a worktop and dining table with a retractable induction hob. drylin linear guides are used in the drawers and miniature energy chains for cable guidance.

Problem

Daniel Pracht is the third generation after his father and grandfather to run the company in the Hessian Oberzent.  Today, 22 employees belong to the family business and more are on the way.
The idea for a new piece of furniture that combines the dining table with a mobile induction area was born within his own four walls. Although there was a kitchen in the young inventor's rather small flat, there were no hob to be able to prepare freshly cooked meals. The aim was to create a visually elegant solution for compact flats. Because, not only in the countryside like Oberzent, but especially in the cities, living, working and eating takes place on increasingly minimal floor areas. Living space and kitchen are evolving into each other. Therefore, functional furniture with a lot of storage space is required.
And so Daniel Pracht developed his masterpiece, the SQR (from the English word "square"), in the family business. The SQR is a 132cm x 132cm square, height-adjustable and extendable residential island. Brought together it can be used as a table or bar, and extended it can be a kitchen with induction stove. Device connections and storage drawers can be pushed silently into the cube and hide under the worktop. The space-saving technology thus creates new capacities in living space design.
But before the concept could be implemented, the details had to be clarified. In order to create as much storage space as possible in the SQR, Daniel Pracht sought the right guides for his drawers. Since normal roller guides took up too much installation space and did not meet the requirements for a simple and elegant design, the then prospective master carpenter went in search of an alternative solution.
Another challenge was the cable guidance. This is because the regular raising and lowering (the integrated height adjustment allows the height to be adjusted between 76-116cm) and extending of the hob means that the cables for the SQR's power supply are in motion. To protect the cables from a corkscrew effect, they must be moved safely.

Solution

Pracht found our drylin linear guides via the Internet, where both the smooth running and the design were convincing according to the inventor. Not only the functionality - the wear-resistant and durable opening and closing of the drawers - but also the finish of the rails were decisive criteria for choosing the drylin WSQ linear system.
Each of the five drawers contains two guides. Liners made of the high-performance plastic iglidur J200 ensure smooth running. Thanks to its anthracite colour, this not only looks great with the aluminium rail, but thanks to the use of solid lubricants, it is free of oil and maintenance. Dirt and dust cannot adhere to the bearing and it is exceptionally wear-resistant. The guides and bearings can also be easily cleaned with household chemicals. In other words, an all-round hygienic solution for the induction area in contact with food. The bearings move the drawers very smoothly and, above all, very quietly. No jerking, no vibration, no noise - the adjustment feels high-quality and is convincing. The SQR can also be flexibly adjusted to the best ergonomic working and sitting height.
To protect the cables from a corkscrew effect, the inventor used our energy supply systems. The energy chains of the E2.10 and E2.15 series used are very compact and are suitable for even the smallest bend radii: ideal for the small installation space in the SQR. The energy chains are easy to assemble and fill. An integrated brake in the chain links ensures quiet operation. The SQR requires a total of four energy chains - two each for height adjustment and two for lateral extension of the hob.
The concept not only impressed the inventor himself, but also won him the design prize at his school. The Red Dot Design Award and the German Design Award were added later. The growing interest in his furniture led him to register a utility model, secure the brand name "SQR" and establish BODI e.K. as a registered trader, a new sales channel for his special piece of furniture.

The five drawers of the SQR are equipped with smooth-running drylin linear guides from igus. Two under the induction cooker and three on the opposite side provide ample storage space.

The linear bearing made of the high-performance polymer iglidur J200, ensures a quiet and lubrication-free operation. A special advantage: no dust or dirt can stick to the bearing.