Drawer Wall with Integrated Spring-Loaded Cover for Flush Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer wall designs with exposed cover parts are bulky, prone to damage, and require additional installation space, as well as risk of being sheared off or broken, compromising their ability to close openings effectively.
Innovation Solution
The cover part is integrated within the drawer wall thickness, allowing it to move perpendicular to the opening plane and be flush with the wall surface in the closed position, utilizing a spring element, such as a helical spring or plastic material elasticity, to ensure a compact and secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover part is mounted externally on the drawer wall, then the opening can be closed, but the drawer wall becomes bulky and requires additional installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The cover part is integrated into the drawer wall structure, with the closing element arranged within a recess of the drawer wall. This nesting approach allows the cover part to be housed within the drawer wall thickness rather than protruding externally, achieving closure functionality while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element is designed to move in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening, transitioning between an open position where it protrudes from the drawer wall and a closed position where it is flush with the outer surface. This dimensional movement allows the cover to provide sealing functionality without permanently increasing the drawer wall volume.
2Ease of operation
If the cover part protrudes outward in open position, then the opening can be accessed, but additional installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cover part is designed as a dynamic element that can move between different positions. In the open position, it protrudes sufficiently to allow access to the opening for insertion operations. In the closed position, it retracts to be flush with the drawer wall surface, minimizing the overall length requirement.
3Reliability
If the cover part is made of flexible material and pivotally mounted, then the opening can be closed, but the cover part is prone to being sheared off or broken off
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the cover part on the external surface where it is exposed to potential damage, the closing element is inverted and arranged within a recess of the drawer wall. This internal arrangement protects the closing element from external objects that could cause shearing or breaking, while still allowing it to perform its sealing function effectively.
4Reliability
If the cover part is externally mounted, then the opening can be closed, but the drawer wall appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover part is nested within the drawer wall structure, with the closing element housed in a recess. In the closed position, the outer surface of the drawer wall remains smooth and uninterrupted, maintaining an attractive appearance. The closing element is only visible when the drawer wall is disassembled for installation or maintenance.
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 design achieves a more compact drawer wall with enhanced protection and functionality, preventing dirt penetration and maintaining an attractive visual appearance while ensuring the cover part remains secure and functional.
Implementation Method 1
the cover part being movable against the resilient action of the spring element
Implementation Method 2
a spring element, such as a helical spring or plastic material elasticity
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A drawer wall (4), comprising: - an opening (10) arranged on a lateral surface (13c) of the drawer wall (4), - a movably mounted cover part (11), which, in a closed position, closes the opening (10) and, in an open position, exposes the opening (10), - a spring element (18), by means of which the cover part (11) is pre-loaded in a working direction of the spring element (18) in the direction of the closed position, wherein the cover part (11) is fixedly mounted in a direction parallel to the lateral surface (13c) and movably mounted in a direction counter to the working direction of the spring element (18), approximately perpendicular to the lateral surface (13c), wherein the cover part (11) is arranged within the drawer wall (4) in all operating positions.