Drawer Roller Wheel Assembly for Thin-Walled Sheet Metal Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thin-walled drawers made from sheet metal are prone to failure at the points where roller wheels are attached, and existing solutions are either costly or not suitable for complex shapes, leading to manufacturing inefficiencies and potential structural weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
A movable furniture piece with a pre-mounted roller wheel assembly attached to the rear panel via an axle, which distributes forces across the panel, reducing bending stresses and allowing for efficient assembly and support between panels, using a double flanged washer for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the thickness of side panels is reduced to lower production cost and environmental impact, then manufacturing cost and environmental impact are reduced, but the panels become prone to failure at wheel attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is divided into separate panels (front, rear, sides, bottom) that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. The rear panel is separated from the side panels, allowing the wheel assembly to be mounted on the rear panel rather than the thin side panels, thus distributing forces to stronger structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is repositioned from the side panels to the rear panel, changing the spatial dimension of force distribution. This moves the attachment point from a vulnerable location on thin panels to a more structurally sound location on the rear panel, where forces can be distributed across a larger area.
2Reliability
If complex shaped parts are used to attach wheels to side walls, then wheel attachment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is extracted from the side panel attachment system and relocated to the rear panel. This eliminates the need for complex shaped attachment parts on the side walls, as the wheels are now mounted on the rear panel using simpler attachment methods that distribute forces more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear panel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the drawer, serves as the mounting surface for the wheel assemblies, and acts as a force distribution element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex attachment components.
3Strength
If multiple panels are fixed together using riveting or permanent means, then structural integrity is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is pre-mounted to the rear panel during rear panel manufacturing, before final drawer assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and force distribution while simplifying the final assembly process, as the wheel assembly becomes an integrated part of the rear panel.
Data Source
AI summary
A moveable furniture piece, comprising at least one first panel and at least one second panel arranged perpendicular to one another, said first and second panels being separate parts and being connected to each other, said first panel being provided with a pre-mounted roller wheel assembly, comprising a wheel, positioned adjacent to a drawer side, such that the wheel traverses parallel with the side of the moveable furniture piece; wherein the second panel is provided with an opening dimensioned to receive the roller wheel assembly.