Drawer Front Fitting for Pivoted Top-Element Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer assembly methods require significant space for attaching top elements, especially when multiple drawers are stacked, leading to complexity and interference issues during assembly.

Innovation Solution

The attachment element is introduced into a recess of the fitting body and pivoted about a vertical axis, allowing lateral movement without increasing vertical space, enabling modular attachment and easy disassembly independent of drawer side walls or railing struts, using a two-part fitting body with a snap connection for secure installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If plate-shaped attachments are used to increase drawer height, then the effective capacity of the drawer is increased, but a large amount of space is required for introducing the attachments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective capacity of drawerVSAvoidspace required for introducing attachments
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment element is inserted into a recess of the fitting body, nesting one component inside another. This allows the attachment element to be introduced without requiring additional external space, as it fits within the existing structural envelope of the drawer assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment element is pivoted about a vertical axis during installation, transitioning from a horizontal insertion path to a vertical pivoting motion. This dimensional change in the installation trajectory eliminates the need for increased vertical clearance space during assembly.

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

2Ease of operation

If tool-free attachment methods are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliable fixation of the attachment element may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidfixation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manual tool-based fastening system is replaced with an elastic retention mechanism where the elastic element automatically engages with the recess through elastic deformation and recovery. This self-actuating mechanical system provides reliable fixation without requiring external tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element automatically secures the attachment element to the fitting body through its own elastic properties. The system is self-securing, where the deformation and recovery of the elastic element itself provides the fixation force, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This method simplifies the assembly of top elements on drawers by reducing space requirements, allowing for tool-free installation and disassembly, and enabling independent mounting of top elements without disassembling the drawer, facilitating easier stacking and assembly of multiple drawers.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element can be arranged in the recess, which is deformed during insertion of the attachment element into the recess and which restores its force after the attachment element has been inserted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2729037B1Drawer
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP2729037B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2729037B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2729037B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a drawer (3) comprising a front panel (8), a lateral drawer wall (10) and an attachment element (12) arranged at least partially over the drawer lateral wall (10), wherein the attachment element (12) is intended to be fastened to the front panel (8) by way of a fitting body (13) separate from the drawer lateral wall (10), wherein the fitting body (13) comprises at least one fixing point (21) for fixing to the front panel (8) and a recess (15) for receiving the attachment element (12), wherein after completed mounting of the fitting body (13) on the front panel (8) the attachment element (12) can be brought into the recess (15) of the fitting body (13), wherein the attachment element (12) can be brought into the recess (15) of the fitting body (13) and can subsequently be pivoted about a notional axis running substantially vertically in the mounting position.