Securing device for detachably securing a front panel on a drawer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for detachably attaching a front panel to a drawer often result in undesirable tilting movements when the drawer is actuated, leading to delayed movement due to insufficient locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with a separate, movable locking element that rests on a pre-assembled furniture fitting, utilizing a wedge surface for enhanced holding force and a spring-loaded mechanism for secure attachment, allowing for efficient transmission of forces and simplified assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a spring-loaded catching part is used for automatic locking, then the assembly is simplified, but tilting movement occurs when the drawer is actuated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic lockingVSAvoidlocking stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into two separate functional elements: a catching element for automatic locking and a separate locking element for stabilization. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, preventing tilting movement while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to the furniture fitting's position and provide dynamic stabilization. This movable design enables the locking element to respond to forces during drawer actuation and prevent unwanted tilting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a separate locking element is introduced, then locking stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoidnumber of elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is integrated into the existing catching device structure, combining the functions of locking and stabilization within a unified assembly. This merging approach adds the necessary stabilization function without creating a completely separate complex subsystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element serves multiple functions: it stabilizes the furniture fitting against tilting, provides additional locking force, and works in conjunction with the catching element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the locking element is designed to be movable, then ease of assembly is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is nested within the catching device structure, moving within a guideway that is part of the existing assembly. This nesting approach allows the movable locking element to be integrated smoothly without adding external complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A guideway serves as an intermediary structure that guides the movement of the locking element. This guideway simplifies the implementation of movable components by providing a predefined path, reducing the complexity of ensuring proper movement and alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a secure, efficient, and cost-effective attachment system that minimizes the risk of unintentional release and reduces the size of components, ensuring stable and reliable operation while allowing for easy assembly and adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

an energy accumulator in the form of at least one spring can be provided in a simple, cost-effective and low-wear manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the locking element pushes the front panel with the pre-assembled furniture fitting in a spring-loaded manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

rests in a locked position with a wedge surface on the pre-assembled furniture fitting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3479735B1Securing device for detachably securing a front panel on a drawer
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 JULIUS BLUM GMBH
  • EP3479735B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3479735B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3479735B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fastening device (1) for detachably fastening a front panel (93) to a drawer (90), in particular to a drawer side wall (92), comprising: - at least one furniture fitting (94) that can be pre-mounted on the front panel (93), - a catch device (2) associated with the drawer (90), wherein the catch device (2) automatically holds the furniture fitting (94) when it is inserted and the catch device (2) has a movable catch element (20), and - a locking device (3) that prevents the furniture fitting (94) from unintentionally releasing from the fastening device (1), wherein the locking device (3) has a movable locking element (30) separate from the catch element (20), which rests against the pre-mountable furniture fitting (94) in a locked position, and wherein the catch element (20) and the separate locking element (30) are coupled in their movement - preferably in every position.wherein the fastening device (1) has a feed track (42) for the furniture fitting (94), wherein the feed track (42) has a substantially straight course and wherein the locking device (3) automatically holds the furniture fitting (94) against unintentional release at at least two different positions along the feed track (42).