Panel carrier and drawer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel supports for fixing front panels to drawer side frames are prone to damage due to over-tightening of adjustment screws, which can lead to mechanical failure during height and side adjustments by non-professionals.
Innovation Solution
A panel support system featuring a support part with a base part that includes two parallel side legs and a first adjustment element comprising an adjusting pin gripped by a helical spring, which slips out of engagement when reaching an end position, preventing over-tightening and ensuring non-destructive adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screwdriver-adjustable windage adjustment screw or height adjustment cam is used for panel adjustment, then the front panel can be adjusted for manufacturing tolerances, but the mechanism can be damaged or destroyed by over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the maximum adjustment limit through the mechanical structure of the adjustment pin and receiving opening. The adjustment pin is designed with a specific length that physically prevents over-tightening before it can cause damage, eliminating the need for user judgment about the correct tightness level.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment pin is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if worn. Rather than using complex, expensive adjustment mechanisms that require precise control, the patent employs a simple pin system that prioritizes reliability and ease of replacement over long-term durability of individual components.
2Reliability
If a helical spring adjustment element is used to prevent over-tightening, then damage is prevented, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the adjustment pin for lateral adjustment, the helical spring for providing frictional holding force, and the receiving opening for guiding the pin. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical spring acts as an intermediary element between the adjustment pin and the support part. It provides the necessary frictional force to hold the panel in position while allowing controlled adjustment, and automatically releases when the pin reaches the end of its travel, preventing over-tightening without requiring complex control mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the adjusting pin extends through through-openings in the base part and threaded bore in the support part, then simple construction is achieved, but the adjustment mechanism requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment pin is designed to move horizontally within the receiving opening at a constant level, eliminating the need for complex alignment between the through-opening and threaded bore. The helical spring maintains constant contact pressure, ensuring the pin remains at the correct height throughout adjustment, simplifying manufacturing requirements.
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 system allows for reliable and safe adjustment of the front panel without causing damage, providing audible or tactile feedback when reaching the end position, thus preventing over-tightening and ensuring the panel can be adjusted without mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
The first adjustment element is designed as an adjusting pin gripped by a helical spring in a friction-locking manner
Implementation Method 2
the helical spring slips through on reaching an end position on the adjustment pin, i.e. releases itself from a frictional connection on the adjustment pin
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a panel carrier (5) for securing a front panel (3) onto the side sections (4) of a drawer (2), having a carrier part (7) which can be secured to the front panel (3), a single- or multipart base part (6) which can be assembled on the side sections (4), surrounds the carrier part (7), and comprises two at least partly parallel lateral limbs (61, 62), and a first adjusting element (8) for adjusting the front panel (3), wherein the first adjusting element (8) is designed as an adjusting pin which is frictionally enclosed by a coil spring (83). The invention additionally relates to a drawer.