Self-Centring Receptacle Fastening for Pull-Out Cabinet Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face challenges in efficiently adapting frame structures to various outer housing dimensions, leading to potential skewing of receptacles during installation, excessive waste of adjustment components, and increased installation complexity for non-skilled assembly personnel.
Innovation Solution
A self-centring system for pull out cabinets utilizing first and second brackets, rails, and fastening means with hook and pin mechanisms that allow the receptacle to automatically centre between lateral sides of the cabinet body, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distance means are used to adapt frame structure width to outer housing dimensions, then the frame structure can fit various sizes, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the distance means components entirely from the system. Instead of adding adjustment components, the frame structure is designed with a fixed width that directly matches the outer housing dimensions, eliminating the need for separate distance means and simplifying the assembly process to a single step of attaching brackets to the outer housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure width is merged with the outer housing dimensions in the design phase. The brackets are designed with fixed attachment positions that inherently provide the correct spacing, combining the function of structural support and dimensional adaptation into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate adjustment elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If distance means are provided in various sizes for different material thicknesses, then proper fit can be achieved, but waste of unused components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates distance means components from the system entirely. The frame structure is designed with a fixed width that directly corresponds to the outer housing dimensions, removing the need for multiple sized adjustment components and preventing waste of unused parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The correct frame structure width is determined and fixed during the design phase based on the outer housing dimensions. This preliminary determination eliminates the need for selecting different sized components during assembly, ensuring proper fit without generating waste from unused variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distance means are added to one side of the frame structure, then width adjustment is possible, but the frame structure may be mounted in a skew manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric bracket design where the brackets are attached to different lateral sides of the outer housing at specific positions that inherently provide symmetric spacing. This asymmetric attachment strategy ensures the frame structure is centered without requiring symmetric adjustment components on both sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes distance means components that cause alignment issues. Instead of adding adjustable elements to one side, the design uses fixed-position brackets attached to both lateral sides, eliminating the skewing problem inherent in one-sided adjustment methods.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple sized distance means are sent to end consumer, then correct fit can be achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates distance means components from the system. The frame structure is designed with a fixed width that directly matches the outer housing, removing the time-consuming process of selecting and installing multiple sized adjustment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The correct dimensions are determined during design phase, and the frame structure is manufactured with fixed-width brackets positioned to match the outer housing dimensions. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming component selection and adjustment during installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-centring system (1) for receptacles in pull out cabinets comprising a first (12) and second fastening means (13) comprising a main portion from which hook means extend and which hook means of the first fastening means (12) are arranged to at least partially enclose a first portion of a receptacle (8) and to grip a connecting part of the first rail (6), and which hook means of the second fastening means (13) are arranged to at least partially enclose a second portion of the receptacle (8) and to grip a connecting part of the second rail (7). Permitting the receptacle (8) to attach to the first (6) and the second rails (7) and consequently to be self-centring between a first and second lateral sides of a cabinet body.