Drawer Front Fastening with Independent Locking and Joint Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for detachably attaching a front panel to a drawer require synchronous insertion and locking of connecting elements, complicating the assembly process and increasing assembly time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with pivotable catch and holding elements that can be independently moved, allowing for asynchronous insertion and locking, and a transmission mechanism for simultaneous unlocking, reducing the complexity of the assembly sequence and enhancing ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronous locking of both safety catches is implemented, then reliability of fastening is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: a first safety catch with a first catching element and a second safety catch with a second catching element. Each catching element can be actuated independently to lock or unlock its respective connecting element, allowing the operator to lock the front panel in progressive steps rather than requiring simultaneous action on both sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The catching elements are designed as movable components that can pivot between locked and unlocked positions. The first catching element is movable relative to the first safety catch, and the second catching element is movable relative to the second safety catch, enabling dynamic control of each connecting element independently during the assembly process.
2Reliability
If synchronous insertion of connecting elements is required, then fastening reliability is improved, but assembly time and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The first connecting element can be inserted and locked into the first safety catch before the second connecting element is inserted into the second safety catch. This preliminary action allows the operator to prepare one side of the fastening while preparing the other connecting element, reducing the need for precise synchronous coordination and thereby reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening process is segmented into independent stages: inserting the first connecting element, locking it with the first safety catch, then inserting the second connecting element, and finally locking it with the second safety catch. This segmentation removes the requirement for synchronous insertion, making the assembly process more forgiving and faster.
3Ease of operation
If independent movement of catching elements is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety catch structure is segmented into two independent modules: a first safety catch with its own catching element and a second safety catch with its own catching element. Each module operates independently, allowing the operator to control each connecting element separately while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Both safety catches serve the same function (locking connecting elements) but operate independently. The first safety catch handles the first connecting element while the second safety catch handles the second connecting element, creating a universal locking mechanism that can accommodate different insertion sequences and timing while maintaining the same fastening function.
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 allows for more comfortable and efficient assembly of the front panel on the drawer, as the operator can insert and lock the connecting elements independently, and facilitates a single-step unlocking process, reducing assembly time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the catch element (11) can be pivoted about an axis of rotation (A) and that the holding element (211) can be pivoted about an axis of rotation (C)
Implementation Method 2
the catching element and holding element are acted upon independently of one another by a spring
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Fastening device (1) for fastening a front panel (101) in a releasable manner on a drawer (102), in particular on a drawer side wall (100), having: - at least one furniture fitting (2), which is pre-assembled on the front panel (101) and has a first connecting element (7) and a second connecting element (207) for fastening the front panel (101) on the drawer (102), - at least two intercepting devices (10, 210), which are assigned to the drawer (102), wherein the intercepting devices (10, 210) retain the connecting elements (7, 207) automatically when the latter are pushed in, wherein the one intercepting device (10) has at least one movable intercepting element (11) and the second intercepting device (210) has at least one movable retaining element (211), - at least one locking device (20, 220) for the two intercepting devices (10, 210), the locking device preventing the furniture fitting (2) from being released unintentionally from the intercepting devices (10, 210), - at least one unlocking device (40) for the two intercepting devices (10, 210), wherein the unlocking device (40) allows the two connecting elements (7, 207) of the furniture fitting (2) to be released together from the intercepting devices (10, 210), wherein the retaining element (211), for locking the second connecting element (207) in the second intercepting device (210), can be moved independently of the intercepting element (11) of the first intercepting device (10).