Fastening device for detachably fastening a front panel to a drawer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for furniture are stiff due to high frictional forces, making it difficult to introduce furniture fittings and reducing the lifespan of the devices.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with a coupling mechanism that temporarily links the movement of a locking device with a catch device only when necessary, using a stake and set contour configuration to minimize friction and allow for decoupling during furniture fitting introduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the movement of the locking device is permanently coupled with the movement of the catch device, then the furniture fitting is securely fastened, but frictional forces increase and the device becomes stiff

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidease of introducing furniture fitting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic coupling mechanism where the actuating element and actuating contour enable temporary coupling of the locking device and catch device movements only during specific phases of furniture fitting insertion. The actuating contour is designed with specific geometric features that engage the actuating element to couple movements, and disengage to decouple movements, transforming the system from static permanent coupling to dynamic conditional coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the locking device and catch device are permanently coupled, then the furniture fitting remains secured, but friction losses increase and service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintentional releaseVSAvoidfriction losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic coupling and decoupling of the locking device and catch device through the actuating mechanism. The actuating contour is designed to periodically engage and disengage the actuating element, creating rhythmic coupling cycles that align with the operational phases of the furniture fitting. This periodic action reduces continuous friction contact while maintaining security when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the actuating element is permanently engaged with the actuating contour, then the fastening is reliable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the coupling function from a permanent structural connection and implements it through a selective engagement mechanism. The actuating element and actuating contour are designed to provide coupling only when geometrically aligned during specific operational phases, rather than maintaining continuous structural connection. This extraction of the coupling function reduces unnecessary complexity while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 reduces unnecessary friction losses by allowing the movement of the locking device and catch device to be decoupled when not required, enhancing the ease of introducing furniture fittings and prolonging the lifespan of the fastening device.

Implementation Method 1

The fastening device (1) includes at least one spring (21), and that the at least one catch device (10) automatically pulls the at least one furniture fitting (8) towards the drawer by the force of the at least one spring (21) when it is inserted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4241616B1Fastening device for detachably fastening a front panel to a drawer
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP4241616B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4241616B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP4241616B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Fastening device (1, 2, 3, 4, 81) for detachably fastening a front panel (5) to a drawer (6), in particular to a drawer side wall (7), comprising: - at least one furniture fitting (8, 9) that can be pre-mounted on the front panel (5), - at least one catch device (10, 11, 12) associated with the drawer (6) for the at least one furniture fitting (8), wherein the at least one catch device (10, 11, 12) receives the at least one furniture fitting (8) when it is inserted and automatically pulls it towards the drawer (6), - at least one locking device (13, 14, 15, 16, 82) that prevents the at least one furniture fitting (8, 9) from unintentionally detaching from the fastening device (1, 2, 3, 4, 81), and - a coupling device (17, 18, 19, 20) for coupling the movement of the at least one locking device (13, 14, 15, 16, 82) with the movement of the at least one catch device (10, 11, 12), wherein the coupling device (17, 18, 19,20) has at least one actuating element (17) and at least one actuating contour (18, 19, 20) in or on which the at least one actuating element (17) is arranged or can be arranged, wherein the at least one actuating element (17) is arranged on the at least one catch device (10, 11, 12) and the at least one actuating contour (18, 19, 20) is arranged on the at least one locking device (13, 15, 16), or vice versa, and wherein the at least one actuating contour (18, 19, 20) is designed such that the movement of the at least one locking device (13, 14, 15, 16, 82) when inserting the at least one furniture fitting (8) is only temporarily coupled to the movement of the at least one catch device (10, 11, 12).