Drawer Side Panel with Integrated Latch for Simplified Rail Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side frame designs for drawers are complex and require multiple components, leading to assembly challenges and tolerance issues, while failing to provide high holding forces for fixing pull-out guide rails effectively.
Innovation Solution
A side frame with a groove-shaped channel and a pivotably mounted latch, biased by a spring, which protrudes to securely fix the rail, offering a compact design with improved leverage ratios and fewer components, allowing for stable fixation of the rail with high holding forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple movable components is used to fix the rail, then the rail can be securely fixed, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing tolerances accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated directly into the side frame as a fixed component rather than being a separate movable part. The blocking section is formed as an integral part of the side frame structure, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing the total number of components while maintaining secure fixation of the rail
Solution Approach 2:
The side frame is divided into functional sections: a support section for the shelf, a wall section for mounting, and an integrated locking element with a blocking section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall complexity
2Reliability
If multiple movable components are used in the locking mechanism, then the rail can be fixed, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to tolerance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the locking function into the fixed side frame structure rather than using separate movable components, the patent eliminates tolerance accumulation between multiple parts. The blocking section is formed integrally with the side frame, ensuring consistent positioning and reducing manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using movable locking elements that require precise alignment, the patent uses a fixed blocking section that passively engages with the rail. This inverted approach eliminates the need for precise tolerance control between movable parts while maintaining fixation stability
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces component complexity, and ensures strong, stable fixation of the pull-out guide rail, providing high holding forces and minimizing relative movement between the rail and the side frame.
Implementation Method 1
the pawl is biased by a spring into the latching position
Implementation Method 2
a pivotably mounted latch is arranged, which protrudes in a latching position with a projection from an opening on a side wall of the groove-shaped channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a side panel (3) for a drawer (1) comprising a support rail (6), which has a support portion (60) for supporting a base (5) and a wall portion (62) for fixing wall elements, wherein a groove-like channel (61) is arranged between the support portion (60) and the wall portion (62), a swivel-mounted latch (10, 10', 10", 110) is arranged in the groove-like channel (61), said latch having a protrusion (13, 13') which projects, in a latched position, from an opening in a side wall (65) of the groove-like channel (61). A rail of a runner can thus be easily fixed to the support rail (6).