Rear wall connector for drawers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear wall connectors for drawers are cumbersome to assemble and require disposal of securing elements when switching between different rear wall types, and alignment with the connector is difficult.

Innovation Solution

A rear panel connector with a linearly displaceable securing part that moves from a protruding to a securing position, allowing for flush alignment and secure fixation of various rear wall types without needing to be disposed of, featuring a stop for lateral alignment and clamping/latching mechanisms for stability, and plug-in elements for versatile use on both side frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a locking element is used to secure the locking mechanism, then the back panel can be firmly fixed, but the locking element must be disposed of when detached and alignment is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidalignment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be linearly displaceable between a protruding position and a flush position, transforming a static component into a dynamic one. This allows the locking element to adapt its position: protruding for secure locking and flush for clean alignment with the mounting surface, eliminating the need for disposal and simplifying alignment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element operates along a linear displacement dimension, moving between two distinct positions (protruding and flush). This dimensional movement allows the same component to fulfill multiple functions: providing strong locking when protruding and enabling precise alignment when flush, without requiring multiple separate components.

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

2Strength

If a locking element is used to secure the locking mechanism, then the back panel can be firmly fixed, but the locking element must be disposed of when switching between different back panel types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidlocking element disposal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element's linear displacement capability allows it to be reused across different back panel types. By moving to the flush position, it creates a clean mounting surface for various back panel configurations, eliminating the need for disposal and enabling the same locking element to serve multiple mounting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element serves multiple functions: it provides secure locking when protruding and creates a flush mounting surface when retracted. This multi-functionality allows a single locking element to accommodate different back panel types without requiring disposal or replacement, enhancing versatility and reducing waste.

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

3Ease of operation

If the locking element is moved into a flush position, then alignment with the mounting surface is improved, but the locking mechanism must be secured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidlocking mechanism security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element dynamically transitions between protruding and flush positions based on operational needs. When flush, it provides precise alignment with the mounting surface. The locking mechanism's security is maintained through its own securing features, allowing the locking element to move freely between positions without compromising overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3968817B1Rear wall connector for drawers
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3968817B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3968817B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3968817B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A rear wall connector for drawers (1) comprises a carrier (8) that can be fixed to a sidewall (5) and a connection part (10) fixed to the carrier (8), the detent means (11), which can be latched to or in a detent receptacle (11) on a rear wall (3), and a securing part (12) which is mounted linearly displaceably in the connection part (10) and is movable from a protruding position into a securing position fixing the detent means (11), at least one bearing face (18) for a rear wall (3') being formed with a screw channel (15) on the connection part (10), the securing part (12) being oriented substantially flush with the bearing face (18) of the connection part (10) in the securing position. The assembly and fastening of a rear wall to a drawer are thereby simplified.