Drawerset with three differently designed walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer connection systems lack versatility in connecting different furniture parts with varying heights and designs, limiting their ability to securely and efficiently attach multiple components to a single connecting pin.

Innovation Solution

A connecting pin with a holding section featuring a connecting piece and a head part, allowing for positive and non-positive connections to multiple second furniture parts, including a first drawer wall, a drawer rail, and a wall element, using projections or depressions for form-fitting connections that can be secured by a spring element for enhanced load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single connecting pin is used to attach multiple second furniture parts with varying heights and designs, then the versatility and flexibility of drawer configurations are improved, but the complexity of the connection system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility in connecting different furniture partsVSAvoidcomplexity of connection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting pin is designed with a universal structure that can attach multiple different second furniture parts (drawer walls of varying heights, drawer rails, wall elements) using the same connecting mechanism. The pin features a head section with connecting pieces that can engage with different counter-contours on various furniture parts, allowing one pin design to serve multiple attachment functions across different part types and configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting pin is divided into distinct functional sections: a fastening section for attaching to the first furniture part, a retaining section with connecting pieces for positive locking, and a head section with neck for additional connections. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility without requiring complete redesign for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If positive-locking connections are used to securely attach furniture parts, then the load-bearing capacity and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of furniture partsVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positive-locking mechanism is merged into the basic structure of the connecting pin itself through integrating connecting pieces (protrusions or recesses) directly into the pin body. This eliminates the need for separate locking components or complex mechanisms, as the form-fit connection is achieved through the pin's own geometry engaging with complementary counter-contours on the furniture parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting pin's positive-locking features automatically engage with the counter-contours of the second furniture parts during the attachment process without requiring additional locking actions or complex mechanisms. The design allows the connection to self-lock through the geometric interlocking of the connecting pieces with their complementary surfaces on the furniture parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3760076B1Drawerset with three differently designed walls
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP3760076B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3760076B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3760076B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Connecting pin (9) for fastening a first furniture part (2) to a second furniture part (3), comprising: - a fastening section (19) for fastening the connecting pin (9) to the first furniture part (2), - a retaining section (10) for connecting the connecting pin (9) to the second furniture part (3), wherein the retaining section (10) of the connecting pin (9) has a connecting element (11) facing the fastening section (19) in the form of a projection (27a, 27b) or a recess (27c) for positively interlocking the second furniture part (3) with the connecting pin (9) and a head (13) spaced apart in a longitudinal direction (L) of the connecting pin (9) via a neck (12), wherein in a state in which the connecting pin (9) is fastened to the first furniture part (2) via the fastening section (19),Optionally, at least two different second furniture parts (3) can be connected to the connecting pin (9) by means of the connecting piece (11) in a form-fitting manner and/or by means of the headboard (13) in a force-fit manner.