Tool-Free Drawer Assembly With Plug-In Rear Wall Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer assembly methods require tools and technical expertise, making it difficult for non-technical individuals to assemble furniture components like drawers without mechanical connecting elements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates plug connectors and clamp connectors formed by incisions and insertion tongues, with a Z-shaped adapter profile and angled insertion tongues, allowing for self-evident assembly without tools by ensuring correct sequence and stability through form fit connections and end stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical connecting elements are used for drawer assembly, then connection stability is improved, but assembly complexity and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connecting elements (screws, bolts, clips) with a deformation-based connection system. The adapter profile's securing sections are inserted into grooves and deformed to create form-fit connections, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and assembly tools while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer assembly system is designed to be self-assembling without external tools or specialized knowledge. The deformation of securing sections into grooves creates self-locking connections that automatically ensure proper assembly, making the process accessible to non-technical individuals.
2Ease of operation
If tool-free assembly is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the adapter profile's securing sections through deformation. By transforming the material from its initial form to a deformed state within the groove, the connection gains strength equivalent to or exceeding traditional mechanical fasteners, while maintaining tool-free assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter profile is made of a material that combines sufficient rigidity for structural support with adequate deformability for tool-free assembly. This composite material property allows the securing sections to be deformed into grooves for strong, permanent connections without requiring assembly tools.
3Ease of operation
If reversible connections are used, then ease of disassembly is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into insertable securing sections and receiving grooves. This segmentation allows the connection to be easily assembled by insertion while the subsequent deformation of the securing sections creates a stable, non-reversible form-fit connection that prevents accidental loosening.
4Manufacturing precision
If correct assembly sequence is enforced, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter profile and side frames feature asymmetric Z-shaped geometry with specifically positioned incisions and grooves. This asymmetric design inherently enforces the correct assembly sequence and orientation, allowing non-technical assemblers to achieve precise connections without complex instructions or time-consuming alignment procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drawer (1) comprising a drawer bottom, a front panel (2), a rear wall (3) opposing the front panel (2), and two lateral panels (4) extending in the direction of displacement of the drawer (1) and embodied as hollow profiled sections which are fixed to the end regions of the rear wall. Adapter profiled sections (5) are fixed to the facing ends of the panels (4), in the end regions associated with the rear wall (3), said sections being connected to said end regions by plug-in connectors (6, 7, 9, 10) and/or clamping connectors in order to enable a simple assembly.