Device for fixing a drawer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for fixing drawers to pull-out slides struggle to compensate for manufacturing-related length tolerances, leading to insufficient overlap between fastening means and receiving elements, which compromises the security of the drawer attachment.

Innovation Solution

A device with a movably held receiving element, biased towards the fastening means, allows for tolerance compensation in the longitudinal direction, ensuring secure attachment by using a spring or elastically designed receiving element, and featuring variants with slidable or pivotable receiving elements and a wedge-shaped receptacle for centering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the fastener length is limited to fit into the opening in the back panel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of drawer fixation deteriorates due to insufficient overlap with the receiving element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastener lengthVSAvoiddrawer fixation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element is made movable relative to the drawer along the longitudinal direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic adjustment ensures sufficient overlap between the fastener and receiving element without requiring a longer fastener, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving fixation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the positional parameter of the receiving element by allowing it to move along the longitudinal direction. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate variations in drawer length and fastener position, ensuring reliable fixation without increasing the fastener length or device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If manufacturing tolerances in drawer length are not compensated, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the fastening connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer length toleranceVSAvoidfastening connection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable receiving element provides a dynamic tolerance compensation mechanism that absorbs manufacturing variations in drawer length. The receiving element can shift position along the longitudinal direction to maintain proper engagement with the fastener, ensuring reliable fastening connection without requiring strict manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the receiving element is made fixed on the drawer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to manufacturing tolerances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereceiving element mountingVSAvoidtolerance compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element is designed with movable mounting on the drawer, allowing it to adapt its position along the longitudinal direction. This dynamic mounting provides tolerance compensation for manufacturing variations while maintaining relatively simple device structure. The movement capability enables the receiving element to accommodate different drawer lengths and fastener positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 ensures secure fastening of the drawer to the rail by compensating for length variations, preventing the drawer from being lifted, while maintaining a simple and compact structure suitable for furniture and household applications.

Implementation Method 1

the receiving element is movably held on the drawer and is biased towards the fastening means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a spring element can be provided on the hook to clamp the drawer between the rear hook and a front mounting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4021246B1Device for fixing a drawer
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4021246B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4021246B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4021246B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A device for fixing a drawer (1) on a rail (4) of a pull-out guide comprises a drawer (1), a fastening means (5), which is secured on a rail (4), and a receiving element (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60), which is retained on the drawer (1) and over which the fastening means (5) engages at least to some extent, wherein the receiving element (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) is retained in a movable manner on the drawer (1) and is prestressed in the direction of the fastening means (5). This makes it possible to avoid the situation where the drawer is lifted off, even in the presence of production tolerances.