Panel carrier and drawer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panel supports for fixing front panels to drawer side frames require significant space due to separate height and side adjustment elements, and there is a need to further reduce the overall height and width of the connection.

Innovation Solution

A panel support design featuring a base part with parallel side legs, a first adjustment element for height adjustment, and a second adjustment element with a cylindrical axis of rotation, allowing the carrier part to pivot relative to the base part, with the first adjustment element positioned between the side legs to accommodate the second element in a space-saving manner, and a retaining bolt that can be fixed vertically to reduce the height of the catch mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate height adjustment cams and side adjustment screws are used, then the front panel can be adjusted in both height and side directions, but the overall height and width of the connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidconnection space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the height adjustment cam and side adjustment screw into a single integrated base part structure. The base part encompasses both adjustment elements, allowing the support part to pivot about the second adjustment element's axis while the first adjustment element operates at a distance from this axis. This merging reduces the overall height and width of the connection compared to separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support part is arranged to pivot within the base part structure, with the first adjustment element positioned between the side legs of the base part. This nesting arrangement allows the adjustment mechanisms to be contained within each other's spatial envelope, minimizing the overall connection footprint while maintaining both height and side adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If the first adjustment element is positioned between the side legs of the base part, then the second adjustment element can be accommodated in a space-saving manner, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection spaceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base part is segmented into two parallel side legs that are aligned at least partially parallel to one another. This segmentation creates a structured framework that can accommodate the first adjustment element between the legs while providing clear spatial definition for the second adjustment element's axis of rotation. The segmented structure manages complexity through clear geometric separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the third dimension by positioning the first adjustment element at a distance from the axis of rotation of the second adjustment element. This spatial arrangement in three-dimensional space allows both adjustment elements to function independently without interfering with each other, reducing the need for complex mechanical linkages while achieving compact overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The design achieves a compact and space-efficient adjustment mechanism that reduces the overall height and width of the connection, allowing for easier mounting and adjustment of the panel support while maintaining stability and adjustability.

Implementation Method 1

the first adjusting element is designed as an eccentric rotary cam. The at least one support disc is supported on support webs on at least one of the side legs of the base part, with the base part being pivoted relative to the axis of rotation of the pivot pin by turning the first adjustment element and thus the carrier part being displaced in the vertical direction overall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric rotary cam mechanism: Eccentric

Implementation Method 2

a second adjustment element with a cylindrical axis of rotation extending through the base part and the support part. The carrier part is arranged so that it can pivot relative to the base part about the axis of rotation of the second adjustment element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCylindrical hinge joint: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3681347B1Panel carrier and drawer
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3681347B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3681347B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3681347B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a panel carrier (5) for securing a front panel (3) on the side sections (4) of a drawer (2), having a carrier part (7) which can be secured to the front panel (3), a base part (6) which can be mounted on the side section (4), surrounds the carrier part (7), and comprises two lateral limbs (61, 62) that are aligned at least partially parallel to each other, a cylindrical rotational axis which extends through the base part (6) and the carrier part (7), and a first adjusting element (9) for adjusting the front panel (3), wherein the carrier part (7) is arranged in a pivotal manner about the rotational axis relative to the base part (6), and the first adjusting element (9) is arranged at a distance from the rotational axis. The invention additionally relates to a drawer.