Drawer Lateral Wall Laser Deformation for Retaining Device Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lateral walls for drawers face the risk of the retaining device detaching from the support profile under load, particularly when adjusting the drawer front wall inclination using a railing bar.

Innovation Solution

A lateral wall design with a support profile that undergoes additional laser deformation in the welding region, enhancing stability by introducing heat and causing structural changes that increase the load-bearing capacity, preventing the retaining device from detaching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If laser welding is used to connect the retaining device to the support profile, then manufacturing precision and automation are improved, but the reliability of the connection under load deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding precisionVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing laser deformation treatment on the support profile before the laser welding process. This pre-treatment creates controlled stress concentrations and material modifications in advance, which prevent detachment during subsequent loading. The deformation is applied at specific locations on the support profile to create preferential deformation zones that enhance connection reliability under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the support profile through laser-induced thermal deformation. The laser treatment changes local material parameters such as hardness, stress distribution, and structural density in the deformation zones. These parameter changes create a more reliable connection that can withstand operational loads without detaching, while maintaining the precision benefits of laser welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If additional laser treatment is applied to the support profile, then strength and load-bearing capacity are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two laser-based processes (deformation treatment and welding) into a single integrated manufacturing system. Both processes use the same laser technology platform, allowing them to be performed sequentially in one setup without requiring additional equipment or complex process integration. This merging approach increases strength through combined thermal effects while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical strengthening methods (such as mechanical fastening, riveting, or cold-forming) with laser-based thermal deformation and welding. This substitution eliminates the need for additional mechanical components and complex assembly operations, achieving enhanced load-bearing capacity through controlled thermal processes instead of mechanical means.

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

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 additional laser treatment stabilizes the rail, making it less likely to break off, allowing higher loads on the drawer walls and enabling stable inclination adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

heat is additionally introduced into the at least one support profile with the aid of a laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

structural changes can also occur, resulting in a hardening process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser-induced hardening: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentUS20250204684A1Lateral wall for a drawer
Publication Date: 2025.06.26 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • US20250204684A1 patent drawing
  • US20250204684A1 patent drawing
  • US20250204684A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A lateral wall for a drawer includes at least one support profile and at least one retaining device for connecting the lateral wall to a drawer rear wall or a drawer front wall. The support profile and the retaining device are formed by a metal material at least in sections and are welded to one another by at least one laser weld seam. The support profile has at least one laser deformation in the region of the laser weld seam, but separate to same, formed by laser light.