Drawer Side Panel with Magnetic Foil for Customizable Surface Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing side frames for drawers have limited design options for surface visualization, with inner and outer walls typically made of single-colored bent metal sheets.

Innovation Solution

A side frame design featuring a magnetic foil attached to the inner and/or outer walls, with a cover element covering the upper edge of the magnetic foil to conceal its edges, allowing for individualized and visually appealing surface designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic foil is attached to the inner wall and/or outer wall for individualized surface design, then the aesthetic options are improved, but the edge of the magnetic foil becomes visible which detracts from the appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface design optionsVSAvoidvisibility of foil edge
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A cover element is introduced as an intermediary component between the magnetic foil and the external environment. This cover element specifically conceals the upper edge of the magnetic foil, preventing the visible edge effect while preserving the decorative function of the foil. The cover element acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between aesthetic customization and visual perfection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If the cover element covers the upper edge of the magnetic foil, then the aesthetic appearance is improved by concealing edges, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is integrated with the side frame structure through mechanical connection elements such as tabs and recesses. This merging approach combines two previously separate functions (structural support and edge concealment) into a unified component system, reducing overall complexity while achieving both aesthetic and structural goals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the inner wall and outer wall are made of bent metal sheet for compact structure, then the structural integrity is improved, but the surface design options are limited to single color

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsurface design options
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side frame employs a composite construction where bent metal sheets provide the structural core, while magnetic foils with diverse designs are attached to the outer surfaces. This composite approach allows the interior structure to maintain structural integrity through metal bending, while the exterior surfaces gain extensive design versatility through the magnetic foil layering system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4391867B1Side panel for a drawer
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4391867B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4391867B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4391867B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a side panel (5) for a drawer (1), the side panel comprising an inner wall (6), an outer wall (7) and a cover element (8, 18, 28) on an upper edge between the inner wall (6) and the outer wall (7), wherein the inner wall (6) and/or the outer wall (7) are/is made of a bent metal sheet, wherein a channel for receiving a base (2) is formed in an inner face of the side panel (5) and means for receiving a front plate (3) and a rear wall (4) are formed in the side panel (5). According to the invention, a magnetic film (10) is fixed to the inner wall (6) and/or the outer wall (7), the upper edge of which magnetic film is partially covered by the cover element (8, 18, 28). As a result, the side panel (5) is easily customisable by means of the magnetic film (10).