Drawer Frame Front Panel Clamping Lock to Prevent Tilting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer frames with spring-loaded catching parts for front panels experience undesirable tilting movements during use, especially with heavily loaded drawers, leading to delayed drawer movement and insufficient movement behavior.

Innovation Solution

A clamping locking device is introduced, featuring a movable wedge element and guide track, which automatically locks the catching part in a stable position, preventing relative movement and allowing for adjustable positioning of the front panel without manual actuation, using a spring to maintain the wedge element in a wedged position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a spring-loaded catching part is used to attach the front panel to the drawer frame, then the front panel can be detachably and automatically latched, but unwanted tilting movements occur during drawer actuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic latchingVSAvoidrelative movement between front panel and drawer frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge element is pre-positioned in the locking device to automatically engage with the catching part when the front panel is inserted. This preliminary positioning ensures that as soon as the spring-loaded catching part latches the front panel, the wedge element simultaneously prevents tilting movements by engaging with the catching part, eliminating the need for separate locking actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge element acts as an intermediary component between the catching part and the drawer frame. It mediates the connection by converting the spring force into a clamping action that secures the catching part in a fixed position, thereby preventing unwanted tilting movements while maintaining the automatic latching function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the front panel is securely locked to prevent tilting movements, then stability is improved, but adjustment options for the front panel position are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative movement between front panel and drawer frameVSAvoidadjustment options for front panel position
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device incorporates a movable wedge element that can dynamically switch between locked and unlocked states. When adjustment is needed, the wedge element can be disengaged from the catching part, allowing the front panel to be repositioned. Once positioned, the wedge element automatically re-engages to lock the panel in place, providing both stability and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed to automatically lock the catching part in the correct position without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded mechanism and wedge element work together to self-secure the front panel once it is inserted, eliminating the need for separate locking actions while maintaining adjustment capability during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking device is added to prevent tilting movements, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative movement between front panel and drawer frameVSAvoidstructure of fastening device
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the existing spring-loaded catching part mechanism. The wedge element is integrated into the fastening device structure and works in conjunction with the catching part, rather than being a separate, independent locking mechanism. This merging approach prevents tilting movements while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge element serves as a simple intermediary component that bridges the catching part and the drawer frame. Its geometry is designed to automatically engage with the catching part and prevent tilting movements through its wedge shape, which converts spring force into a clamping action. This simple intermediary element provides the needed stability without significantly complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a secure, rigid attachment of the front panel to the drawer frame, minimizing unwanted tilting and allowing for targeted adjustment of the front panel's position, enhancing the movement behavior and stability of the drawer.

Implementation Method 1

an arrangement of a spring (either by the spring of the catching part or optionally also by a separate spring) is favorable, which automatically presses the wedge element in the direction of the wedge position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2164363B1Drawer frame with a fastening device for a front panel
Publication Date: 2016.01.27 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP2164363B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2164363B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2164363B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Drawer frame (4) with a fastening device (9) for fastening a front panel (6) to the drawer frame (4) in a releasable and preferably adjustable manner, wherein a fitting part (10) is premounted on the front panel (6), and wherein a spring-loaded catch part (15) is arranged in the drawer frame (4) and, when the fitting part (10) is inserted, automatically draws said fitting part towards the drawer frame (4), wherein a locking apparatus (19) is provided for the catch part (15), and wherein the locking apparatus (19) is in the form of a clamping apparatus.