Drawer Panel Frame with U-Shaped Channels for Force Dissipation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer frames, particularly those with narrow profiles, face challenges in usability and protection of surface elements due to inadequate force dissipation and susceptibility to damage, especially when handling sensitive materials or large frames.

Innovation Solution

A drawer frame design featuring a frame base with U-shaped receiving channels on both the frame base strip and mounting assemblies, along with angle arrangements for mounting assemblies, which form an open U-shape to securely hold the surface element and dissipate forces effectively, enhancing stability and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a narrow frame profile is used, then material usage and device complexity are reduced, but force dissipation capability and protection of surface elements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial usageVSAvoidforce dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame attachment is divided into multiple mounting assemblies (first and second mounting assemblies) distributed along the frame base. Each mounting assembly independently engages with the surface element through U-shaped receiving channels, distributing the load and force dissipation across multiple points rather than relying on a single continuous structure. This segmentation allows effective force management even with narrow individual profile dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assemblies extend in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame base) with their U-shaped receiving channels opening toward the surface element. This transverse dimensionality provides effective force dissipation and surface element protection without increasing the longitudinal profile width, thus maintaining material efficiency while achieving structural strength.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If mounting assemblies are inserted into frame base cavity, then connection stability is improved, but assembly complexity and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting the mounting assemblies into the frame base cavity as in prior art, the mounting assemblies are placed on top of the frame base and rest on its upper edge. The frame base strip then extends between the mounting assemblies to provide support and stability, inverting the traditional insertion approach and achieving connection stability through a simpler, more accessible assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assemblies are designed to be pre-positioned on the frame base before final assembly with the surface element. This preliminary placement ensures proper alignment and stable connection from the outset, eliminating the need for complex insertion operations into the frame base cavity and simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If U-shaped receiving channels are provided on frame base strip and mounting assemblies, then surface element holding and force dissipation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface element protectionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped receiving channels are integrated directly into the mounting assemblies and frame base strip as inherent structural features rather than separate components. The receiving channels are formed as part of the mounting assembly geometry, merging the holding function with the structural support elements. This integration provides effective surface element protection and force dissipation without adding separate complex mechanisms or components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3595491B1Panel structure for a drawer
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3595491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3595491B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3595491B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a panel structure (1) for a drawer (4, 5), comprising a panel base (9) and a panel top (10) placed on the base and having at least the following features: two support assemblies (200, 300) and at least one surface element (400). Each of the two support assemblies (200, 300), on their sides next to the surface element (400), have a receiving channel (201, 301) of a U-shaped cross-section, a corresponding first and second edge (402, 403) of the surface element (400) engaging in respective receiving channels (201, 301). Between the two support assemblies (200, 300) a frame base strip (100) is provided and is arranged on the panel base (9) and below the surface element (400). On its side next to the surface element (400), said frame base strip has a receiving channel (101) of a U-shaped cross-section in which a corresponding further edge (401) of the surface element (400) engages so that the frame base strip (100) and the two support assemblies (200, 300) together, when mounted to the panel structure (1), form an approximately U-shaped, not circumferentially closed frame, and the two support assemblies are in the form of angular arrangements.