Wall element, frame, drawer and piece of furniture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hollow chamber frames for drawers lack design flexibility and stability, particularly in accommodating drawer guide systems and maximizing storage volume, while maintaining a low profile.

Innovation Solution

A frame design featuring a wall element that is securely attached to a frame body with upwardly protruding support parts and matching connecting means, allowing for easy attachment and stabilization, enabling various design options and improved connection possibilities without increasing the frame's width or height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a hollow chamber frame is used to accommodate drawer guide systems, then storage volume is maximized and construction height is reduced, but design flexibility and connection stability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into separate components: a frame body and interchangeable wall elements. The wall elements can be detached and replaced with different types, allowing design flexibility while maintaining the hollow chamber structure for storage volume optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame body with its upwardly protruding support parts serves as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of wall elements through standardized connecting means, enabling one frame body to support various design configurations.

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

2Volume of moving object

If a hollow chamber frame is used to reduce construction height, then storage capacity is improved, but connection stability and structural strength are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The upwardly protruding support parts are pre-formed on the frame body before assembly. These support parts with integrated connecting means are prepared in advance to receive and securely fasten the wall elements, ensuring connection stability from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The upwardly protruding support parts act as intermediary elements between the frame body and the wall elements. They provide a stable connection interface that transfers and distributes mechanical loads, reinforcing the overall structure despite the hollow chamber design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If wall elements are securely fastened with upwardly protruding support parts, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting means are integrated directly into the upwardly protruding support parts on the frame body, combining multiple functions into a single structural element. This reduces the total number of separate components and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining secure fastening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If different types of wall elements are used to enhance design flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame body with standardized upwardly protruding support parts and connecting means serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of wall elements. This standardization simplifies assembly procedures despite the variety of available wall element designs.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3020307B1Wall element, frame, drawer and piece of furniture
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 GRASS GMBH
  • EP3020307B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3020307B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3020307B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A wall element (1) for a frame (2) of a drawer with a frame body (3) is proposed, the wall element (1) forming at least the upper part of the frame (2) with an upper end face and opposite vertical wall sections. According to the invention, the frame body (3) has an upwardly protruding carrier part (14, 15), the wall element (1) being designed to be pushed onto the frame body (3) with the carrier part (14, 15) from above and onto the frame body (3) to be fixed, the carrier part (14, 15) and the wall element (1) having matching connecting means with which the plugged-on fixed wall element (1) on the carrier part (14, 15) against lifting off the frame body ( 3) can be secured upwards.