Grip element for installation in the front end of a cabinet door, in particular a switching cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle elements for cabinets require additional components and complex assembly processes, leading to increased production costs and logistical efforts due to the need for separate spiral springs for pivoting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A handle element with a half-shell-shaped housing base body and a plate-shaped closure element, where the spring-elastic means are integrated as a strap-like restoring element within the housing base body, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying assembly by using pin-like projections and socket-shaped receptacles for latching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spiral spring is used to push the closure element into the closed position, then the closure element can be reliably returned to the closed position, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated directly into the housing base body as a monolithic component, merging two previously separate components (housing and spring) into one. This eliminates the need for separate spiral springs and reduces assembly steps while maintaining the restoring function.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing base body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the restoring element, and integrates the mounting features for the closure element. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the mechanism.
2Force
If a spiral spring is mounted separately on the axle journal, then the restoring force can be applied, but the production costs increase due to additional components and logistical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is formed as an integral part of the housing base body through injection molding, combining the housing and spring manufacturing into a single process. This eliminates separate component production, reduces inventory requirements, and lowers production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoring force is generated through the elastic deformation of the integrated spring element, which is designed with specific geometric parameters (thickness, length, material properties) to provide the required force without needing separate spring components.
3Ease of operation
If the closure element protrudes from the door, then it is easy to grip and open the door, but the risk of damage and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed to be dynamically positionable, protruding only when needed for gripping and automatically returning to a flush position with the door surface when not in use. This dynamic behavior reduces the risk of damage and injury while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-loaded in the housing base body to automatically push the closure element into the flush position, ensuring it is ready to be gripped when needed but minimizing protrusion to prevent damage and injury.
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 reduces component count, simplifies assembly, and ensures the closure element is always in a defined, comfortable position, reducing the risk of damage and injuries while maintaining effective operation with a cost-effective manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the spring-elastic means comprise a strap-like restoring element formed integrally with the housing base body, which acts on the inside of the closure element facing the interior and forces it into the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a handle element (1) for installation in the front (2a) of a door (2) of a cabinet (4), in particular a control cabinet, comprising a semi-shell-shaped housing base (6) that can be inserted into an opening formed in the front (2a) of the door (2), and a plate-shaped locking element (8) pivotably mounted on the housing base (6) and acted upon by spring-elastic means, which can be pivoted from a closed position, in which the locking element (8) closes the interior (12) of the housing base (6), to an open position, in which the locking element (8) can be grasped on a gripping surface (14) to open the door (2). The spring-elastic means comprise a tab-shaped return element (10) integrally formed with the housing base (6), which acts on the inner side (8a) of the locking element (8) facing the interior (12) and forces it into the closed position.