Drawer Front Fastening with Auto-Pull Catching and Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for releasably attaching a front panel to a drawer often require manual assistance for assembly and may not adequately prevent unintended release of the furniture fitting.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device featuring a spring-loaded control body and control contour that automatically pulls the furniture fitting into place and secures it, utilizing a pivotable catching element and a locking mechanism to prevent release, with an optional unlocking device for intentional removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a spring-loaded catching element is used to automatically pull the furniture fitting towards the drawer sidewall, then assembly time is reduced, but the furniture fitting may be unintentionally released due to insufficient locking reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The catching element is designed to automatically pull the furniture fitting towards the drawer sidewall using spring force without requiring manual assistance. The system serves itself by utilizing the spring-loaded mechanism to perform the pulling action autonomously when the furniture fitting is introduced, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment through the subsequent locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to engage automatically after the catching element has pulled the furniture fitting into position. The locking mechanism is pre-configured to activate at the appropriate moment, ensuring that the furniture fitting is securely locked before any unintended release can occur, thus maintaining reliability while preserving the benefits of automatic assembly
2Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent unintended release of the furniture fitting, then locking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated with the catching element into a unified fastening system. The locking mechanism is designed to work in conjunction with the spring-loaded catching element, combining the automatic pulling function with the secure locking function in a single integrated device, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to engage automatically when the furniture fitting is pulled into position by the catching element. The system self-activates the locking mechanism through the movement itself, eliminating the need for separate manual locking actions or complex control systems, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable locking
3Ease of operation
If the catching element is made pivotable to follow the furniture fitting during pushing-in movement, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catching element is designed with pivotal movement capability, allowing it to dynamically adapt its position as the furniture fitting is pushed into place. This dynamic adjustment enables the catching element to follow the furniture fitting's movement trajectory, making the assembly process easier to perform while the pivot mechanism accommodates reasonable tolerances without requiring extreme manufacturing precision
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 rapid, tool-free assembly of the front panel to the drawer with automatic retention and secure locking, reducing assembly time and costs while ensuring reliable attachment and easy release.
Implementation Method 1
a control body (4) moveable in a guide path (3) and bearing against the control contour (12) under a spring loading
Implementation Method 2
The control body has a pressure roller which—acted upon by a spring—bears against the control contour (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device for releasably mounting a front cover on a drawer, in particular on a side wall of the drawer, includes a furniture fitting that is pre-assembled on the front cover; a catching mechanism associated with the drawer and including a movable catching element accommodating the furniture fitting when the furniture fitting is inserted; and a pulling mechanism pulling the furniture fitting towards the drawer under the effect of a spring. A positioning contour and a movable positioning member are provided to move the catching element, and the positioning member and the positioning contour at least temporarily rest against each other under the effect of a spring.