Single-Column Vertical Drawer for Tool-Free Shelf Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cupboard pull-outs require two vertical support columns, which impede maximum cabinet depth utilization, impair the usable room height, and complicate shelf height adjustment, often necessitating complex and costly attachment methods.

Innovation Solution

A single vertically aligned support column with a connector that allows for tool-free height adjustment of shelves via a clamping mechanism, eliminating the need for additional fastening rods and enabling shelves to be securely attached at any desired height without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If two vertical support columns are used to hold shelves, then structural stability is improved, but cabinet depth utilization is impaired and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcabinet depth utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the rear vertical support column from the conventional two-column structure, retaining only the front vertical support column. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the space-consuming element while maintaining structural stability through the redesigned single-column configuration with integrated shelf support mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The single vertical support column is designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling shelf attachment at various heights, and facilitating pull-out movement. By integrating these functions into one column rather than requiring two separate columns, the invention maximizes cabinet depth utilization while maintaining stability.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If two vertical support columns with crossbeams are used, then structural stability is improved, but usable room height is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidusable room height
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the upper crossbar that connected the two vertical columns, eliminating the obstacle that impaired usable room height. The single vertical support column design inherently provides structural stability without requiring the crossbar, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and height utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If conventional attachment methods with fastening rods and hole recesses are used, then shelf attachment security is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf attachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the shelf attachment function directly into the vertical support column structure through integrated attachment elements. Instead of requiring separate fastening rods and hole recesses, the column incorporates attachment mechanisms that simplify manufacturing while ensuring secure shelf attachment, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If fixed grid dimensions for hole recesses are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability of shelf positioning is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehole recess positioning precisionVSAvoidshelf height adjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a static fixed-grid hole recess system to a dynamic attachment system that allows continuous or flexible shelf positioning. The integrated attachment elements on the vertical support column enable shelves to be positioned at various heights without being constrained by predetermined grid dimensions, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2250933B1Vertical drawer for cupboard section
Publication Date: 2015.06.10 KESSEBOHMER HLDG KG
  • EP2250933B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2250933B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2250933B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The drawer has a drawer frame (2) movably arranged in an interior of a cupboard body (1). The frame has a vertically aligned support column (4) that is connected with a lower drawer frame profile. The profile is movably guided into a cupboard body guide (6) in the course of movement of the drawer and is supported at a shelf board (9). The shelf board is height-adjusted at the support column and is lockable at the support column using a connector in different height positions. The support column has a slot-shaped duct, where the shelf board is engaged with the connector in the duct.