Drawer side wall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing side frame locking devices for drawers require additional tools for actuation and are not suitable for tall drawers or various panel heights, and they often necessitate multiple locking device variants for different frame sizes.

Innovation Solution

The side frame incorporates mirror-symmetric locking devices on both sides, allowing for independent actuation by a single hand without tools, and a handle for simultaneous operation, enabling tool-free disassembly of the front panel without moving the side frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single locking device is used for standard drawers, then the device is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot accommodate tall drawers or various panel heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different drawer heightsVSAvoidnumber of locking device variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed with a universal base section that can accommodate different drawer heights through adjustable mounting positions. The base section includes a mounting plate with multiple mounting holes arranged in different patterns, allowing the same locking device to be configured for standard, tall, and various panel heights by selecting appropriate mounting positions, eliminating the need for multiple locking device variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components, particularly the mounting plate with selectable mounting holes, allowing dynamic adaptation to different installation requirements. This adjustability enables the locking device to transform from a fixed configuration to a flexible one that can be optimized for each specific drawer height and panel type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a locking device requires additional tools for actuation, then the locking mechanism can be secure, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of locking mechanismVSAvoidtool-free actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is equipped with a release lever that can be actuated directly by hand without requiring any additional tools. The lever mechanism is designed to engage and disengage the locking elements through manual operation, allowing users to quickly secure or release the front panel by simply moving the lever, thus achieving both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a manually operable release lever is provided in free space, then the lever can be operated easily, but the lever may interfere with other components or require excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operability of release leverVSAvoidspace required for release lever
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The release lever is integrated into the structure of the locking device itself, with the lever arm positioned within the confines of the base section and locking elements. This nested arrangement allows the lever to be manually operated while occupying minimal space and avoiding interference with other drawer components, as the lever moves within the existing structural envelope rather than requiring external free space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 allows for easy and cost-effective mounting of high front panels on drawers, eliminating the need for multiple locking device variants and enabling tool-free disassembly, enhancing usability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a movably articulated, spring-loaded locking lever (17), which can be moved on a base plate (18) from a release position into a locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The release lever (22) has a link (28), by means of which the locking lever (17) can be moved from the locking position into the release position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical leverage: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3277127B1Drawer side wall
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3277127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3277127B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3277127B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a side wall (1a, 1b) for a drawer (5), comprising a first stopping device (9a) for detachably securing a panel-shaped furniture section, particularly a front panel (6), to said side wall (1a, 1b), the front panel (6) comprising a support device (8) which engages detachably with said stopping device (9a), characterised in that the side wall (1a, 1b) comprises a second stopping device (9b) which is arranged and/or designed to be mirror-symmetrical to the first stopping device (9a).