Container Frame Locking Plug with Elastic Wing for Fast Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container support devices in furniture units require costly machining operations and manual adjustments, with difficult centring and frequent re-adjustments, leading to inefficient and cumbersome assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring elastically compliant locking plugs with wings and engaging teeth that automatically centre and securely attach frames to guides, allowing quick and precise assembly without additional adjustments, accommodating varying thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional guards and frames with ribs, threaded holes, slots and wings are used, then the frame can be attached to the guides, but the manufacturing cost is high due to costly machining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: the guard with opening remains on the guide, while the locking plug with elastic wing and engaging tooth is separate. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and manufactured more easily, eliminating the need for complex machining of integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plug acts as an intermediary element between the frame and the guide. Instead of directly connecting complex structures, the plug with its elastic wing and engaging tooth provides a simple mediation mechanism that achieves secure attachment through elastic deformation and mechanical engagement.
2Ease of operation
If traditional guards and frames are used, then the frame can be attached to the guides, but manual adjustment and centring is difficult and requires frequent checking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plug with elastic wing automatically performs the centring and attachment function when inserted into the opening. The elastic deformation of the wing provides self-adjusting centring action, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and frequent checking by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging tooth is pre-configured on the locking plug to automatically engage with the corresponding feature on the frame during insertion. This preliminary configuration ensures proper centring and attachment occur automatically without requiring subsequent manual adjustment.
3Device complexity
If traditional guards and frames are used, then the frame can be attached to the guides, but the number of attachment components is high
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the single locking plug component: the elastic wing provides both the attachment mechanism and the centring function, while the engaging tooth provides locking. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining secure attachment through the combined action of elastic deformation and mechanical engagement.
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 fast, secure, and adaptable coupling of frames to guides, eliminating the need for complex machining and manual adjustments, ensuring stable and maintenance-free operation.
Implementation Method 1
Each first locking plug (9) has a first wing (11) which is elastically compliant configured for coupling, in use, inside the respective first opening (7) in such a way as to enter into front contact with the respective surface (3a) of the guide (3)
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a device for supporting containers extractable from furniture units (1) having at least two side walls (2) opposite each other on which are installed respective guides (3) configured for supporting and moving, slidably along a horizontal plane, respective walls (4) for engaging a frame (5) for supporting the container, the device comprising a covering guard (6) positioned on each guide (3) and provided with at least a first opening (7) in such a way as to obtain a passage towards at least one surface (3a) of the respective underlying guide (3); a first (9) locking plug associated on each wall (4) for engaging the frame (5); each first plug (9) has a first wing (11) which is elastically compliant configured for coupling, in use, inside the respective first opening (7) in such a way as to enter into front contact with the respective surface (3a) of the guide (3) for generating a stable locking of the frame (5) on the respective guard (6).