Drawer Rear Wall Latching With Spring-Loaded Side Pegs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer designs lack a simple and cost-effective mechanism for securely locking and easily removing the rear wall, which is typically fixed relative to the side frames by displacement along the longitudinal axis.

Innovation Solution

The use of spring-loaded latching pins arranged in pairs on the side frames, which engage with latching notches on the rear wall's edge webs, allowing for secure locking and easy detachment by moving the pins out of the notches, facilitated by guide sections that allow the pins to spread against the spring action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rear wall is fixed relative to the side frames by conventional means, then the drawer structure is stable, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure latching of rear wallVSAvoidlatching mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism is segmented into simple discrete components: individual latching pins with guide sections, separate spring elements, and distinct latching notches. Each component performs a specific function and can be manufactured independently, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure latching of the rear wall to the side frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the rear wall is firmly attached to the side frames, then the drawer structure is stable, but the ease of removal decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of rear wallVSAvoidease of rear wall removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The latching pins can move between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the rear wall to be securely attached during normal use but easily removed when needed by simply pulling the rear wall to disengage the pins from the notches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latching mechanism is self-latching through the spring-loaded pins that automatically engage with the notches when the rear wall is inserted. The guide sections on the pins automatically guide the engagement process, eliminating the need for complex manual latching operations while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If simple latching components are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the reliability of latching may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing cost of latching mechanismVSAvoidlatching security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latching pin combines multiple functions into a single component: the pin body provides the latching feature, the guide section provides alignment and engagement guidance, and the spring provides the latching force. This merging of functions into simple integrated components reduces manufacturing cost compared to using separate complex mechanisms while maintaining reliable latching security.

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

This solution provides a secure, inexpensive, and problem-free latching mechanism that allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the rear wall, ensuring secure attachment while enabling easy removal, with optimal tolerance compensation and efficient assembly processes.

Implementation Method 1

spring-loaded latching pins arranged in pairs on the side frames and running parallel to the rear wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2592965B1Drawer with two side panels and a back panel
Publication Date: 2014.12.24 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2592965B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2592965B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2592965B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A drawer (1) having two side panels (5) and a rear wall (4), wherein the rear wall (4) is fixed in relation to the side panels (5) by latching means and can be moved to a latching position only by being shifted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drawer (1), is formed such that the latching means comprise spring-loaded latching pegs (6), which are arranged in pairs on the side panels (5) and run parallel to the rear wall (4), and also latching notches (7, 7a), which receive the latching pegs (6), in boundary webs (8) of the rear wall (4) which run parallel to the side panels (5), wherein each pair of latching pegs (6) is spring-loaded transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drawer (1) and the boundary webs (8) are provided with guide sections (9) by means of which the latching pegs (6) can be moved into the latching notches (7, 7a) against the spring force.