Drawer Front Connector Adjustment Using Nested Housing and Cam Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer front connecting devices are complex to manufacture, require significant space, and offer limited adjustment options, making it difficult to attach heavy or large drawer fronts securely and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A drawer adjustment device comprising an outer housing, an inner housing, and an adjusting arrangement with a guide element and link guide, allowing for lateral and height adjustments of the drawer front relative to the side wall, featuring a rotatable actuating element and a securing mechanism for secure locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a drawer front connecting device is designed to securely attach heavy or large drawer fronts, then the connecting device must be robust and absorb high forces, but the device becomes complicated to manufacture and requires significant space on the drawer side parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into two separate components: a first component mounted on the drawer side part and a second component mounted on the drawer front. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler in design while collectively providing the required strength, reducing manufacturing complexity without compromising force absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second component is designed to be receivable within a receiving space of the first component when the drawer front is in its retracted position. This nesting arrangement consolidates the connecting mechanism into a compact form factor, reducing the space required on drawer side parts while maintaining structural integrity and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustment options are provided to adjust the position of the drawer front relative to the drawer side part, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first component is designed with movable elements that enable adjustment of the drawer front position in at least one direction. This dynamic design allows positioning flexibility while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, avoiding the need for complex multi-axis adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device incorporates both connection and adjustment functions within a single integrated mechanism. The first and second components work together to provide both secure attachment and position adjustment capabilities, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If a robust connecting device is used to absorb high forces, then the connection strength is improved, but the space required on the two drawer side parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidspace on drawer side parts
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The second component is receivable within the receiving space of the first component when the drawer front is retracted, effectively utilizing the available volume rather than requiring additional surface area on the drawer side parts. This nesting approach maintains connection strength while minimizing the footprint on stationary surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device utilizes the depth dimension (retraction direction) to accommodate the second component within the receiving space of the first component. By transitioning from a two-dimensional surface mounting problem to a three-dimensional volumetric solution, the device maintains strength without increasing the required area on drawer side parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3666125B1Drawer adjustment device for adjusting a front connector of a drawer side wall
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 GRASS GMBH
  • EP3666125B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3666125B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3666125B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Drawer adjustment device for adjusting a front connector of a drawer side panel, in particular a drawer height adjustment device for adjusting a front connector of a drawer side panel, wherein the drawer adjustment device comprises an outer housing, an inner housing and an adjustment arrangement, wherein the inner housing is displaceable relative to the outer housing, wherein the adjustment arrangement comprises an adjustment element, a guide element and a cam guide, wherein the guide element is movably mounted on the cam guide, wherein the cam guide is formed on the inner housing, wherein the adjustment element is rotatably mounted on the outer housing about an axis of rotation, wherein the adjustment element is immovably, in particular positionally fixed, mounted on the outer housing in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation, wherein the guide element is movable in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.wherein the actuating element and the guide element are coupled to each other in such a way that a rotational movement of the actuating element causes a movement of the guide element in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.