Drawer and method for installing a drawer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer-to-rail connection systems for pull-out guides suffer from instability and reduced holding forces due to material deformation, particularly with plastic components, leading to insecure and unstable connections over time.

Innovation Solution

A drawer system with a U-shaped holder and a bendable arm supported by a front panel, where the arm is biased into a slot-shaped receptacle to enhance rigidity and stability, using a pawl for secure latching and a spring for pretensioning, allowing for improved fixation and resistance to bending loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If plastic components are used for the holder and latch, then manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but material deformation occurs leading to reduced holding forces and connection stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is constructed as a composite structure combining a plastic U-shaped holder body with a metal reinforcement element (support surface) that is rigidly connected to the front panel. This composite design allows the plastic component to maintain ease of manufacture while the metal reinforcement prevents deformation and maintains connection stability over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid holder structure is used, then dimensional stability and rigidity are improved, but the ability to accommodate misalignment and absorb mounting tolerances is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidaccommodation of misalignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped holder is made from a flexible plastic material that can deform elastically to accommodate misalignment and mounting tolerances. The flexible arm can bend and adapt to slight variations in rail position while the rigid metal reinforcement maintains overall dimensional stability and prevents excessive deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the holder is pre-tensioned using a spring mechanism, then holding forces and connection stability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forcesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring pre-tensioning mechanism is integrated directly into the holder structure itself, combining the holding function and the pre-tensioning function in a single unified component. The spring is embedded within the U-shaped holder, eliminating the need for separate pre-tensioning devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining strong holding forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a secure and stable connection between the drawer and the rail, maintaining stability even over long periods by supporting the holder's rigidity and using a spring for pretensioning, thus enhancing the holding forces and preventing material deformation.

Implementation Method 1

The front panel can be preloaded towards the holder by at least one spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The U-shaped holder has a flexible arm with a support surface on the side facing the front panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3968814B1Drawer and method for installing a drawer
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3968814B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3968814B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3968814B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a drawer (1) with a device for securing a movable rail (20) of a runner system to the drawer (1), comprising a support (5) which is arranged on a side wall (2) and on which a U-shaped holder (6) is provided, wherein a front end section of the movable rail (20) can be introduced into the U-shaped holder (6), and the movable rail (20) can be locked onto the support (5) and/or the holder (6) via at least one catch (8, 8'), which engages through at least one opening (21, 22) in the movable rail (20). The drawer (1) has a front panel (3), and a support surface (14) of the holder (6) is directly or indirectly supported against the front panel (3). The invention additionally relates to a method for installing a drawer on a movable rail of a runner system.