Side for a drawer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer frames are either too wide or require significant structural changes to create visually and functionally different variants, limiting design flexibility and practicality.

Innovation Solution

A frame design featuring an inner and outer shell with a cover strip that can be easily modified in color and shape, combined with sliding guides integrated into the cover strip, allowing for adaptable and customizable frame variants without altering the frame's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-shell frame design is used, then the structure is simple, but the frame width is relatively large and design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe structureVSAvoidframe width

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into an inner shell and an outer shell that are separate components. The inner shell contains functional elements while the outer shell provides the visible framework. This segmentation allows the frame to achieve a narrower overall width while maintaining structural integrity and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the frame structure is fundamentally altered to create different variants, then design flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cover strip serves multiple functions: it covers the gap between inner and outer shells, provides a mounting surface for functional elements, and enables design variations through different colors and shapes. This universal component allows numerous design variants without requiring fundamental structural changes to the frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner shell is positioned within the outer shell, creating a nested structure. The cover strip then bridges the gap between these nested shells. This nesting arrangement allows functional elements to be housed within the inner shell while maintaining a compact overall frame width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Length of stationary object

If an inner and outer shell construction is used, then frame width is reduced and design flexibility is improved, but the complexity of the frame structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe widthVSAvoidframe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover strip acts as an intermediary element that connects the inner shell and outer shell. It bridges the gap between these two shells, providing both structural connection and design flexibility. This intermediary component simplifies the overall assembly process while enabling the narrow frame design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3496570B1Side for a drawer

Publication Date: 2020.09.30 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG

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Figure 2a
Figure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a side (1) for a drawer (4, 5) with a bottom and at least one such side, wherein the side has an inner shell (11) and an outer shell (10) fastened to said inner shell, a vertically upper bearing region or a gap between the outer shell (11) and the inner shell (10) being covered by a cover strip (35).