Cupboard Pull-Out Fixing Mat for Precise Divider Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pull-out parts for cupboard elements require complex screw connections or precise gluing to fix elements on the bottom, resulting in additional expenses and aesthetic issues due to screw holes, and precise positioning challenges without additional templates.

Innovation Solution

A flexible plastic mat with recesses and auxiliary slots is used to fix elements on the bottom of pull-out parts, allowing for simple placement and precise positioning without screw holes, protecting the floor and enhancing aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw connections are used to fix elements on the bottom of the pull-out part, then the elements are securely fixed, but the process becomes complex and screw holes are created in the base

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A fixing mat made of flexible plastic serves as an intermediary between the pull-out part base and the elements to be fixed. The mat contains recesses that receive the foot parts of elements, providing secure fixation without requiring screw connections to the base itself. This mediator absorbs the fixation function while preserving the aesthetic appearance of the base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mat is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be easily installed and removed. Rather than permanently modifying the base with screw holes, the mat provides temporary but reliable fixation that can be changed or replaced without affecting the base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If gluing is used to fix elements on the bottom of the pull-out part, then fixation is achieved, but precise positioning is still required and additional templates are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mat is pre-formed with recesses at the correct positions for receiving element foot parts. This preliminary preparation of the mat eliminates the need for on-site measurement and positioning of elements. The user simply places elements into the pre-positioned recesses, ensuring correct positioning without additional templates or measuring tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If precise measurements and templates are used to position elements on the bottom of the pull-out part, then correct positioning is achieved, but additional expense and complexity are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mat acts as an intermediary that incorporates positioning information in its structure. The recesses in the mat are pre-positioned to provide correct spacing and alignment for elements, eliminating the need for separate measurement tools and templates. This transfers the positioning function from external tools to the mat itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3087867B1Extension for a cupboard element
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 PEKA METALL
  • EP3087867B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3087867B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3087867B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pull-out section (1) for a cabinet element, which can be inserted into and pulled out of the cabinet element, has a base (4) and side boundaries (3) onto which base (4) elements (7) can be placed and which are fixed to the base (4) by means of fixing elements. These elements (7) have a foot section (8) resting on the base (4) and at least one upright section (9) connected to the foot section (8). This upright section (9) serves to hold containers (5, 6) or the like and/or to subdivide the base (4). The fixing elements consist of a mat (11) which can be placed on the base (4) of the cabinet element and on the foot sections (8) of the elements (7). This mat (11) is provided with recesses (12) through which the upright sections (9) of the elements (7) project. This mat (11) positions and fixes the elements (7) in the pull-out part (1).