Cable-Based Drawer Front Panel Fastening to Reduce Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for attaching a front panel to a drawer, particularly those with height-adjustable linkages, require numerous components, consume excessive space, and necessitate high actuation forces due to complex linkages and inefficient force transmission, making them impractical for varying panel heights.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device utilizing a cable to connect locking devices, allowing for reduced component count and space usage, enabling efficient tensile force transmission and adjustable length for varying panel heights, along with features like pivoting levers, deflection devices, and force accumulators for reliable locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linkage is used to couple locking devices, then the locking devices can be locked or unlocked simultaneously, but a large number of components and relatively large space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical linkage system with a cable-based connection system. The cable transmits force between locking devices through tensile force, eliminating the need for multiple linkage components while maintaining the simultaneous locking function. This substitution significantly reduces the number of components and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the force transmission parameter from compressive force (linkage) to tensile force (cable). This parameter change enables a more compact design since cables can be routed directly between locking devices without requiring the rigid structural support and deflection mechanisms needed for linkages.
2Reliability
If a linkage is used to couple locking devices, then the locking devices can be locked or unlocked simultaneously, but a relatively large amount of space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-based system replaces the bulky linkage mechanism, allowing force transmission between locking devices with minimal space. The cable can be routed directly along the shortest path between locking points, eliminating the need for linkage arms, pivots, and structural support elements that consume significant space.
3Reliability
If a linkage is used to transmit power between locking devices, then simultaneous locking is achieved, but only compressive force can be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force transmission mode from compression (linkage) to tension (cable). This parameter change allows for more efficient force transmission since cables can transmit tensile forces directly along their length without the need for rigid structural connections, and tensile force transmission is generally more efficient than compressive force transmission through linkages.
4Device complexity
If the point of action of the linkage is close to the pivot point of the unlocking device, then the linkage structure is compact, but a relatively large actuating force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-based system replaces the linkage mechanism, allowing the cable to be attached at an optimal distance from the pivot point of the unlocking device. This attachment geometry creates a larger moment arm, reducing the actuating force required while maintaining a compact overall structure.
5Adaptability or versatility
If linkages are provided for each height of the front panel end, then height adjustability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cable-based system that can accommodate multiple front panel heights without requiring separate linkages for each height. The cable system is inherently flexible and can be adjusted to different lengths and routing configurations, allowing a single design to serve multiple height requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cable length as the adjustable parameter to accommodate different front panel heights. By simply changing the cable length or routing, the same basic cable-based locking system can be adapted to various heights, eliminating the need for multiple specialized linkage designs.
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 cable-based system minimizes component requirements and space usage, reduces actuation force, and allows for easy height adjustments, enhancing the efficiency and durability of the fastening mechanism while ensuring reliable locking and unlocking processes.
Implementation Method 1
power is transmitted between the locking devices by applying a tensile force
Implementation Method 2
at least one force accumulator is provided, which applies a force to a first of the at least two locking devices to hold the first locking device in a locking position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a securing device (1) for detachably securing a front panel (2) to a drawer (3), particularly to a drawer side wall (4), having at least two joining elements (5), which can be mounted on the front panel, and at least two locking devices (6, 7) assigned to the drawer for, preferably detachably, locking the at least two joining elements (5), wherein at least one cable (8) is provided, which connects together the at least two locking devices (6, 7) together.