Multi-Thickness Latching Cover for Hollow Profile Furniture Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering devices for hollow profile elements in furniture lack versatility and adaptability to different wall thicknesses, requiring multiple variants and increasing manufacturing effort and costs.
Innovation Solution
A covering device with multiple latching elements of varying designs that can engage with different wall thicknesses, featuring elastically resilient components and block-shaped projections to securely attach to various wall elements without additional manufacturing effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a covering device is designed to match a specific wall thickness, then it provides secure attachment and complete closure, but it cannot be used with wall elements of different thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The covering device is designed with multiple latching elements having different engagement geometries (different angles and positions) so that a single covering device variant can attach to wall elements of various thicknesses. Each latching element is configured to engage with the opening edge at different depths, enabling universal compatibility across different wall thickness specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple independent latching elements rather than a single unified latch. This segmentation allows each latching element to be optimized for a specific wall thickness range, and the combination of segmented latches provides comprehensive coverage for various wall thicknesses without requiring multiple complete covering device variants.
2Reliability
If multiple covering device variants are produced for different wall thicknesses, then each variant is optimized for its specific thickness, but manufacturing effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing latching elements with varying engagement geometries within a single covering device, the invention eliminates the need to manufacture multiple complete covering device variants for different wall thicknesses. This universal design maintains reliable attachment across all thicknesses while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple latching elements with different engagement capabilities are merged into a single covering device structure. This combination allows the device to handle various wall thicknesses simultaneously, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate device variants and reducing overall manufacturing effort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the covering device is designed for complete closure of the opening, then it prevents dirt penetration effectively, but it requires precise matching to the opening dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are designed with adjustable engagement positions and angles that can accommodate different opening dimensions while maintaining complete closure. This universal design allows the same covering device to effectively seal openings of various sizes without compromising dirt prevention or requiring precise custom matching.
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
Enables secure and versatile attachment to diverse wall elements, ensuring complete closure of openings with minimal manufacturing costs by accommodating different material thicknesses and providing reliable holding forces.
Implementation Method 1
one of the latching elements is elastically resiliently connected to the base body parallel to a first covering surface of the base body
Implementation Method 2
The block-shaped projection can advantageously engage behind the surface side of the wall element as a locking latch at the edge of the opening in a form-fitting manner
Implementation Method 3
press the contact surface against an edge of the opening with the effect of a stamp in order to frictionally hold the covering device on the opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A covering device (1) is proposed for a surface side of a wall element, in particular a side frame of a drawer, with which an opening in the surface side of the wall element can be covered, the covering device (1) having attachment means with which the covering device (1) can be attached to the Opening is attachable. According to the invention, the attachment means comprise a plurality of latching elements (7, 8, 9, 10) that differ from one another, with the various latching elements (7, 8, 9, 10) being adapted for latching to different wall thicknesses.