Drawer Rear Wall Assembly Using Adapter-Fixed Latching Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer designs face challenges in achieving stable and easy assembly of a rear wall to a side frame, with limitations in stability and ease of assembly due to tolerances in existing connection methods.

Innovation Solution

A drawer design featuring a connecting element with latching means on the side frame, which is fixed via an adapter, and a securing element that can be clamped to provide non-positive fixation, allowing for repeated assembly and accommodating different types of rear walls through optional screw fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a connector with receptacle is used to fix wall elements, then assembly is simplified, but connection stability is limited by tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into multiple functional components: a connector fixed to the side frame, a connecting element with latching means that engages with the rear wall, and a securing element that locks the connecting element in place. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is pre-fixed to the side frame before the rear wall is installed. The connecting element is designed with latching means that can engage with the rear wall in a predetermined manner. This preliminary preparation ensures that when assembly occurs, the components are already positioned to achieve stable connection, reducing the impact of tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a corner connector with two parts is used to fix rear wall to side frame, then assembly is enabled, but device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The connector, connecting element, and securing element are designed to work together as an integrated system. The securing element combines the functions of locking and fixation, while the connecting element integrates the latching mechanism with the engagement features. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed compared to traditional two-part corner connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the same connecting element is used for different rear walls, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different rear wallsVSAvoidlatching means tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed with universal latching means that can engage with different types of rear walls (metal sheet, wooden panel, plastic) through standardized engagement features. The latching mechanism incorporates tolerance compensation features that allow the same connecting element to accommodate variations in rear wall dimensions and positions while maintaining secure connection.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3580464B1Drawer and method for mounting a rear panel on a side rod of a drawer box
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3580464B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3580464B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3580464B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a drawer (1) comprising a rear wall (3), a front panel (2) and two side frames (5) connecting the front panel (2) and the rear wall (3), wherein a connection element (9) is provided on or in at least one side frame (5), which has engaging means (12) and can be engaged on or in an engaging recess (16) on the rear wall (3), wherein the connection element (9) is secured on or in an adapter (8) in or on the side frame (5), wherein the adapter (8) is connected to a wall element (6) of the side frame. The invention also relates to a method for mounting a rear wall (3) on a side frame (5) of a drawer (1), which is suitable for series production.