Resilient-Leg Support Component for Tool-Free Drawer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated stock control systems require different sizes of supports for drawers of varying sizes, leading to increased manufacturing costs, assembly time, and complexity due to the need for multiple fastening methods and components.
Innovation Solution
A support component with a resilient leg and engagement protrusions that can be easily attached and removed from panels without screws, allowing for the same component to support different sized drawers by adjusting the position of a projecting rib, reducing the need for multiple support sizes and simplifying assembly and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different sizes of supports are used to support drawers of different sizes, then the stability of the drawer is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support component is designed with a resilient leg that can flex to accommodate different drawer sizes and weights. The same support component can be used for both standard and large drawers, eliminating the need for multiple support sizes. The resilient leg adapts its deflection based on the load, providing universal applicability across different drawer configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support component uses a resilient leg whose physical properties (flexibility, deflection) change based on the applied load. This allows a single component to provide appropriate support for different drawer sizes by dynamically adjusting its mechanical response rather than requiring different rigid support structures.
2Strength
If screws are used to attach the support to the panel, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support component features a self-latching mechanism with an engagement protrusion that automatically secures to the panel when the resilient leg is compressed. This eliminates the need for separate fastening operations with screws, allowing the support to attach itself to the panel through simple compression and release actions during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw fastening mechanism is completely removed from the design. Instead of requiring separate fasteners, the support component integrates its attachment function directly into the resilient leg structure, which both supports the drawer and secures to the panel in a single unified mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support is designed for standard drawer sizes, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability to different drawer sizes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The support component is designed as a universal solution that works with both standard and large drawers. The resilient leg's flexibility allows it to accommodate various drawer weights and sizes without requiring different support components, achieving both cost efficiency and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support component transitions from a static, fixed-position support to a dynamic, adaptable support. The resilient leg can deflect and adjust its position dynamically based on the drawer size and weight, allowing a single component design to serve multiple drawer configurations that would traditionally require different static support structures.
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 solution enables cost-effective and time-efficient assembly and reconfiguration of storage systems, as the same support component can be used for various drawer sizes, eliminating the need for multiple support sizes and reducing the complexity of assembly and reconfiguration processes.
Implementation Method 1
A support component for a storage system has a bar with a resilient leg formed on an upper surface of the bar
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a support component (104) for a storage cabinet (100), the support component comprising an elongate bar (301); and a resilient leg (302) formed in the upper surface of the bar and extending between two opposite sides of the bar, wherein the resilient leg comprises an engagement protrusion (303).