Drawer Corner Connector With Hidden Clamp Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner connections for panels and furniture parts are not suitable for stable and easy assembly, particularly for movable furniture like drawers, as they require precise tolerances and limited force transmission.
Innovation Solution
A corner connection featuring a U-shaped clamp as a retaining element that can be inserted into a connector, allowing for flexible and simple assembly of wall elements regardless of material or geometry, with a web-shaped recess for easy positioning and a locking mechanism for secure attachment, enabling force transmission without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a U-shaped clamp is used as a retaining element to encompass the end edge of the second wall element, then the ease of assembly is improved and flexibility for different materials is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper fitting and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed as a U-shaped clamp with adjustable parameters including the opening angle and the position of locking means, allowing adaptation to different wall element geometries and materials while maintaining easy assembly. The elastic material property allows parameter adjustment during assembly to accommodate tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into functional segments: the holding element for encompassing the wall element, the locking means for securing position, and the web-shaped recess for guidance. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for ease of assembly while maintaining overall precision through their coordinated interaction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking means is provided on each leg of the U-shaped clamp to fix the position of the holding element, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are integrated directly into the legs of the U-shaped holding element, merging the holding function and the locking function into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms while maintaining connection stability through the interlocking geometry of the locking means with corresponding features on the wall element.
3Shape
If the holding element is completely received in the recess of the connector in the installed position, then the visual appeal is improved by hiding fasteners, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to more complex recess geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed to nest completely within the recess of the connector when installed, with the U-shaped clamp fitting into the recess cavity. This nesting arrangement hides the holding element from external view, achieving visual appeal while the recess geometry is simplified by following the natural contour of the holding element, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the corner connection forms a non-positive connection allowing force introduction, then the adaptability to different wall element materials is improved, but the strength of the connection is reduced compared to positive mechanical interlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element acts as an intermediary between the connector and the second wall element, providing a compliant interface that adapts to different wall element materials (glass, ceramic, stone, metal). The elastic material of the holding element allows it to deform and conform to the wall element surface, ensuring adequate connection strength through distributed contact forces rather than rigid mechanical interlocking.
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 provides a stable and visually appealing connection that allows for easy assembly and secure attachment of wall elements, including those made of hard materials like glass, without complex processing, while enabling force transmission and easy disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The locking means can be arranged in the opening of the second wall element. The locking element and the holding element are preferably made of an elastic material, in particular plastic.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a corner connection (1), in particular for a drawer, having a first wall element (2) and a second wall element (3) arranged at an angle thereto, wherein there is a connector (4) that can be mounted on the first wall element (2) and has a receptacle for inserting the second wall element (3), characterized in that a holding element (5) can be inserted in the connector (4), by means of which the second wall element (3) can be fastened to the connector (4).