Drawer Front Panel Fitting for Fast Vertical and Lateral Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fittings for adjusting the front panel on a drawer are complex and time-consuming to assemble, lacking a simple and quick solution for both lateral and vertical adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A fitting with a combined swivel/linear bearing system featuring a vertical cylindrical bearing pin and a pivoting mechanism, along with lateral and height adjustment mechanisms, allows for easy assembly and adjustment of the front panel using elastic force trains and accessible screws or eccentrics, enabling quick and precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional adjusting screws and eccentrics are used for mounting the front panel, then lateral and vertical adjustment is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidfitting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (lateral positioning and vertical height adjustment) into a single integrated fitting structure. The drawer fitting part and panel fitting part are merged into one assembly that incorporates both the lateral adjustment mechanism with bearing pin and the vertical adjustment mechanism with threaded bore, eliminating the need for separate adjusting screws and eccentrics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting is segmented into two main parts: the drawer fitting part (fixed to the drawer side wall) and the panel fitting part (attached to the front panel). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly process, as the two parts can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate adjusting mechanisms are used for lateral and vertical adjustment, then precise positioning is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lateral adjustment mechanism (with bearing pin 23) and vertical adjustment mechanism (with threaded bore 26) into a single integrated fitting assembly. This reduces the total number of parts while maintaining both lateral and vertical positioning capabilities through the coordinated action of the two mechanisms within one fitting unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lateral positioning through the bearing pin mechanism, vertical height adjustment through the threaded bore mechanism, and secure attachment to both the drawer side wall and front panel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjusting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables rapid and precise lateral and vertical adjustments of the front panel, simplifying the assembly process and ensuring secure attachment to the drawer side walls, while maintaining ease of use and accessibility for adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

A pivoting movement of the panel fitting part by means of the lateral adjustment mechanism then causes a lateral displacement of the front panel relative to the side walls of the drawer due to the elastic force train within a limited angular range.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force train: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2676574B1Front panel fitting vertically and lateraly adjustable
Publication Date: 2014.12.24 ANTON SCHNEIDER GMBH
  • EP2676574B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2676574B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2676574B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The fitting unit (1) has a drawer fitting part for fixing on a lateral wall (4) of a drawer (3). A panel fitting part is provided for fixing on a front panel (2). The panel fitting part has a vertical cylindrical bearing pin, which is placed in a vertical hollow cylindrical bearing retainer of the drawer fitting part in a pivotal and vertically movable manner. A height adjusting mechanism is provided for moving the fixed panel fitting part against the fixed drawer fitting part. An independent claim is included for a drawer with transversely movable sides adjusting elements.