Drawer Front Panel Securing Device with Separate Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing devices for front panels on drawers often result in undesirable tilting movements during drawer actuation, leading to delayed movement due to the force exerted by users, and lack an optimized configuration for individual elements and force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A securing device with a separate moveable locking element that bears against a pre-fitted furniture fitting, utilizing a wedge surface for enhanced force application and transmission, and a pivotably mounted catching element with a spring-loaded configuration for efficient locking and unlocking, allowing for effective force storage and reduced component size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded catch member is used to automatically latch the front panel to the drawer frame, then the securing mechanism is simplified and automatic latching is achieved, but tilting movement occurs during drawer actuation causing delayed movement
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is divided into two independent functional elements: a catching element for automatic latching and a separate locking element for preventing tilting movement. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the locking element is made moveable and adapted to bear against the furniture fitting, then securing is simplified and the locking element can be adapted to the position of the furniture fitting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, moveable locking element that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This allows the locking element to adapt to the furniture fitting position while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the moveability is confined to a single element rather than the entire mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the catching element and locking element are integrated into a single component, then the device complexity is reduced, but the individual elements cannot be optimized for their respective forces leading to increased size
Solution Approach 1:
The catching element and locking element are segmented into separate components, allowing each to be independently shaped and sized according to the specific forces it must withstand. The catching element can be optimized for latching forces while the locking element is optimized for preventing tilting, resulting in more efficient use of material and reduced overall size despite the additional component.
4Ease of manufacture
If a wedge surface is used for the locking element contact surface, then force application is simplified and locking in opposite direction is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge surface changes the geometric parameters of the contact interface, transforming the locking mechanism's force application characteristics. The wedge angle and surface orientation are carefully selected to achieve both simplified force application and reliable locking in the opposite direction, while the precision requirements are managed through the self-aligning nature of the wedge geometry.
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 provides a secure, efficient, and low-wear mechanism for attaching a front panel to a drawer, ensuring stable operation with reduced size and complexity, allowing for easy fitting and adjustment, while minimizing unintended detachment and wear, and enabling easy intentional release without damage.
Implementation Method 1
a catching device (2) with a moveable catching element (20) which automatically holds the furniture fitting (94) upon insertion of that fitting
Implementation Method 2
the locking element (30) in a locked position bears against the transverse pin (95) of the furniture fitting (94) with a wedge surface (31)
Implementation Method 3
a pivotably mounted catching element with a spring-loaded configuration for efficient locking and unlocking, allowing for effective force storage
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device for detachably securing a front panel on a drawer, in particular on a drawer side wall, includes at least one furniture fitting that can be pre-mounted on the front panel, and a catch device assigned to the drawer. During the sliding in of the furniture fitting, the catch device automatically holds the same, and the catch device has a movable catch element. The securing device further includes a locking device that prevents an unintended release of the furniture fitting from the securing device, and the locking device has a movable locking element which is separate from the catch element, and which is positioned on the pre-mountable furniture fitting in a locked position.