Side panel for a drawer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side frames for drawers lack a secure mechanism to fix a wall element between two adapters during transportation, which can lead to damage.
Innovation Solution
A side frame design featuring a pivotable securing element on at least one adapter that can be pivoted between an opening and locking position to securely fix the wall element, with the securing element surrounding the wall element on multiple sides to prevent upward movement and accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple receiving channel is used to mount the wall element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing the wall element during transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to be pivotable between an open position for mounting and a locking position for securing. This dynamic mechanism allows the same component to serve dual purposes: facilitating easy installation when open and providing reliable security when locked, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple mounting and secure transportation.
2Reliability
If the securing element surrounds the wall element on multiple sides, then the reliability of fixing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed as a multi-functional component that combines receiving, surrounding, and locking functions in a single structure. It features receiving channels for insertion and protrusions that engage with recesses in the wall element, allowing one component to perform multiple securing functions rather than requiring separate elements for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is pivotally connected to the adapter and can be positioned in different configurations. When in the locked position, it effectively nests around the wall element, with its structure enveloping the wall element on multiple sides to provide comprehensive securing while maintaining a compact overall design.
3Reliability
If a pivotable securing element is added to lock the wall element, then the reliability during transportation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable design allows the securing element to be easily moved between open and locked positions during mounting and transportation. This dynamic capability enables quick installation by simply pivoting the element into place, maintaining ease of operation while achieving reliable security.
4Reliability
If the securing element is fixed in a clamping or latching manner, then the reliability prevents accidental opening, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element features a self-latching mechanism where protrusions on the securing element engage with corresponding recesses in the wall element. Once pivoted into the locked position, the geometry of these features automatically maintains the locked state without requiring additional active components or external intervention, preventing accidental opening through passive mechanical engagement.
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 design effectively secures the wall element between the adapters, preventing damage during transportation and providing a visually appealing, hidden fastening mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotable securing element being provided on at least one of the two adapters, which can be pivoted between an opening position for mounting the wall element and a locking position for locking the wall element on the adapter
Implementation Method 2
the securing element surrounds the wall element on at least two sides in the locking position... the securing element can engage over a top side of the wall element in the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A side panel (5) for a drawer (1) comprises a front adapter (7), on which means (14) are provided for fixing a front panel (3), a rear adapter (10), on which means (31) are provided for fixing a rear wall (4), and a wall element (6), which is held between the front adapter (7) and the rear adapter (10), wherein at least one of the two adapters (7, 10) is equipped with a pivotal securing element (16, 16', 35) which can be pivoted between an open position for installing the wall element (6) and a locking position for locking the wall element (6) to the adapter (7, 10). In this manner, the wall element (6) can be simply installed and fixed to the adapters (7, 10).