Panel structure for a drawer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer frame constructions, particularly on narrow frames, face complexity in attachment and stability, with existing solutions being cumbersome and requiring intricate structural measures.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of angle arrangement mounting assemblies that simplify assembly by attaching to the frame base without needing to be inserted into cavities, combined with a frame base strip that rests on the upper edge of the frame base and has receiving channels for mounting elements, enhancing stability and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If brackets are inserted into the cavity of the frame base to achieve stability, then connection stability is improved, but assembly complexity and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assemblies are extracted from the cavity insertion method and repositioned to rest on the upper edge of the frame base. This eliminates the need for complex cavity structures while maintaining connection stability through the upper edge support configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of inserting brackets into the cavity from below, the mounting assemblies are positioned on the upper edge and extend downward to engage with the frame base. This inverted approach simplifies the frame base structure while achieving stable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If complex structural measures are used to insert brackets into frame base cavity, then connection stability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The complex cavity insertion process is replaced by a simplified upper edge mounting approach. The mounting assemblies are positioned on the upper edge and secured with simple fastening elements, dramatically improving ease of assembly while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of substance

If narrow frame design is implemented, then material usage is optimized, but attachment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial usageVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assemblies utilize the vertical dimension by extending from the upper edge downward, allowing stable attachment on narrow frames without requiring complex horizontal structures. This dimensional approach enables material optimization while maintaining simple attachment.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3595490B1Panel structure for a drawer
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3595490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3595490B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3595490B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a panel structure (1) for a drawer (4, 5), comprising a panel base (9) and a panel top (10) that has at least the following features: two support assemblies (200, 300) and at least one surface element (400). Each of the two support assemblies (200, 300), on their sides next to the surface element (400), have a receiving channel (201, 301) of a U-shaped cross-section, a first and second edge (402, 403) of the surface element (400) engaging in respective receiving channels (201, 301). The panel structure is characterized in that one or both of the support assemblies (200, 300) are in the form of an angular arrangement, and one of the support assemblies can be fastened to the panel top (9) and to the front panel (6).