Drawer Slider Locking Tongue Assembly for Fast Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer slider assembly methods are time-consuming and lack sufficient locking strength, making them inefficient for furniture construction.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising a slider with a strip that inserts into an insertion groove on a panel, featuring acute angles and a displaceable tongue that locks the strip in place, preventing it from sliding out under load, and utilizing a locking element and groove for additional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional screw-based fastening systems are used to connect sliders to panels, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: a strip element for insertion, a displaceable tongue for locking, and an insertion groove for reception. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling rapid assembly without sacrificing connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable tongue is pre-positioned in the insertion groove and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the strip upon insertion. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual alignment and fastening operations, dramatically reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable connection.
2Productivity
If a simple insertion groove is used for the strip, then the assembly process is simplified and sped up, but the locking strength becomes insufficient under load
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable tongue is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to load conditions. Under normal conditions, the tongue remains in a position that permits easy insertion. When load is applied, the tongue automatically displaces to engage the strip more firmly, providing enhanced locking strength when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded displaceable tongue is pre-configured to exert a locking force on the strip before any external load is applied. This preliminary anti-action prevents the strip from slipping or disengaging under subsequent loads, ensuring sufficient locking strength from the moment of insertion.
3Ease of operation
If the strip is allowed to displace freely in the insertion groove during assembly, then the assembly process is easier and faster, but the strip may slide out under load compromising reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable tongue automatically performs the locking function without external intervention. During assembly, the tongue freely displaces to accommodate the strip insertion. Once inserted, the spring mechanism automatically pushes the tongue into a locking position, securing the strip in place. This self-service mechanism ensures both ease of assembly and reliable locking under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable tongue changes its positional parameter based on load conditions. During assembly, it occupies a retracted position that facilitates easy strip insertion. When load is applied, the tongue transitions to an engaged position that prevents strip displacement, thus maintaining reliability while preserving assembly ease.
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 significantly reduces assembly time and enhances locking strength, allowing the slider to carry greater loads and preventing the strip from disengaging from the panel, even when a drawer is pulled out.
Implementation Method 1
The displaceable tongue may be pushed into the displacement groove, by the strip, during assembling of the slider to the panel and spring back to a position in which the locking surface of the displaceable tongue cooperates with the locking surface of the strip
Data Source
AI summary
A panel provided with a slider. The slider including a first surface and the panel including a second surface, the slider is being configured to be assembled to the panel with the first surface facing the second surface. The second surface is provided with an insertion groove and a displacement groove, which are of a longitudinal shape. A first angle, which is between the second surface and the insertion groove, is an acute angle. A strip protrudes from the first surface. A second angle, which is between the strip and the first surface, is an acute angle. The strip is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove when the slider is assembled to the panel. A displaceable tongue is arranged in the displacement groove. A locking surface of the displaceable tongue is configured to cooperate with a locking surface of the strip for locking the strip to the panel.