Device for providing a detachable connection of an internal drawer to an external drawer of a piece of furniture and furniture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices for inner and outer drawers in furniture are complex and require adjustments to the inner drawer's front panel, making them difficult to retrofit and adapt to varying wall thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

A device with an adjustable driving projection and spring element for attachment to the outer drawer's inside panel, allowing for easy adjustment and fixation without modifying the inner drawer, enabling flexible coupling and decoupling without additional effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing coupling devices are used to couple inner and outer drawers, then the drawers can be selectively connected, but the device structure becomes complex and requires modifications to the inner drawer's front panel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into two independent parts: a coupling element mounted on the inner drawer and a corresponding receptacle on the outer drawer. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in structure while achieving reliable coupling when assembled together, eliminating the need for complex single-unit mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling function is extracted from the drawer assembly process and implemented as a separate, dedicated coupling device. This extracted coupling mechanism operates independently from the drawer structure itself, simplifying both the coupling device and the drawer design while maintaining reliable selective coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing coupling devices are used, then selective coupling is achieved, but retrofitting becomes difficult and adaptation to varying wall thicknesses is problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to wall thicknessVSAvoidretrofitting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element incorporates an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows it to be dynamically repositioned along the front panel to accommodate different wall thicknesses. This dynamic adjustability enables the same coupling device to adapt to various drawer configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each wall thickness variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is designed as a universal solution that can be retrofitted to existing drawers of different wall thicknesses through its adjustable positioning capability. The single design serves multiple functions: it couples drawers selectively, adapts to varying dimensions, and can be installed on existing furniture without custom fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the driving projection position is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot be adapted to different wall thicknesses of the inner drawer front panel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to wall thicknessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driving projection is made adjustable in position along the front panel through a simple repositioning mechanism. This dynamic positioning capability allows the driving projection to be relocated to engage with different sections of the inner drawer front panel, accommodating various wall thicknesses without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is pre-configured with multiple possible positions for the driving projection during manufacturing. During installation or retrofitting, the appropriate position is selected and fixed in advance to match the specific wall thickness, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simplifies the coupling process, allowing for easy adaptation to different drawer configurations and enabling easy retrofitting without altering the inner drawer, ensuring reliable engagement and decoupling with minimal play, ensuring secure coupling and easy manual decoupling.

Implementation Method 1

a driving position of the engagement element, in particular of the driving projection, is predetermined with a spring element. The spring element is advantageously designed so that it pushes the driving projection into a position that engages behind the front element of the inner drawer.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2745736B1Device for providing a detachable connection of an internal drawer to an external drawer of a piece of furniture and furniture
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 GRASS GMBH
  • EP2745736B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2745736B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2745736B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The device has engagement element (13) with driving projection (16), for engaging behind a front element (5) of the inner tray (4). The position of driving projection for engagement behind a portion of the front element of the inner tray is adjustable. The projection of the engagement element is provided for engagement behind an unprepared section of the front element of inner tray.