Wall, particularly a side wall, for a drawer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing frame designs for drawers, particularly side frames, face challenges in simplifying the assembly and accessibility of front panels, especially when it comes to the connecting fittings and locking devices, which can be complex and difficult to operate manually.

Innovation Solution

The design enhances the mobility of the outer shell relative to the inner shell, allowing for easier access to the locking device by incorporating sliding guides and a securing element like a screw or resilient pressure piece, which ensures a uniform contact and prevents unintentional displacement, thus simplifying the assembly and operation of the front panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the locking device is arranged between the inner shell and outer shell, then the connecting fitting becomes more compact, but the accessibility of the locking device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of connecting fittingVSAvoidaccessibility of locking device
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer shell is made displaceable relative to the inner shell through sliding guides, allowing the outer shell to move dynamically during assembly and disassembly operations. This dynamic configuration enables the locking device to be accessed by temporarily displacing the outer shell, resolving the contradiction between compact arrangement and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the outer shell is made displaceable relative to the inner shell, then the accessibility to functional elements is improved, but the stability of the frame structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to locking deviceVSAvoidstability of frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, where the outer shell can be displaced relative to the inner shell during operations but returns to a stable locked position. The sliding guides enable controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sliding guides act as intermediary elements between the outer and inner shells, enabling relative displacement while maintaining structural stability. The guides provide a controlled path for movement and prevent unstable or uncontrolled displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If sliding guides are incorporated to enable outer shell displacement, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding guides implement a simple dynamic mechanism that enables the outer shell to move relative to the inner shell along a defined path. This dynamic feature simplifies assembly operations without requiring complex mechanisms, achieving ease of assembly with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design improves the accessibility and ease of handling the locking device during assembly or dismantling, ensuring a secure and uniform joint appearance while preventing accidental movement of the outer shell relative to the inner shell, thus enhancing the overall assembly process and visual appeal.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one energy storage device advantageously produces a force in the area of ​​the connection between the inner and outer shells, which presses the inner and outer shells together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the locking element is a screw and/or a spring-loaded pressure piece comprising at least one spring, which is a helical spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3277126B1Wall, particularly a side wall, for a drawer
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3277126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3277126B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3277126B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a wall, particularly a side wall (1a, 1b), for a drawer (4, 5), comprising the following features: a) an outer shell (11a, 11b), b) an inner shell (10a, 10b), c) at least one or a plurality of functional device(s) (52a, 52b, 52c) secured to the outer shell (11a, 11b) and/or the inner shell (10a, 10b), d) the outer shell (11a, 11b) being movable relative to said inner shell (10a, 10b), e) the outer shell (11a, 11b) forming the upper side of the side wall, f) the outer shell (11a, 11b) and inner shell (10a, 10b) forming a connection in the upper region of said side wall, and g) at least one functional device comprising an energy store which generates a vertical force component (F) that presses the connection between the outer shell (11a, 11b) and inner shell (10a, 10b) together.