Cable Basket Slide Lock for Easy Access Without Holder Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable baskets under tables are rigid, making it difficult to access their storage space, and require deformation of holding elements for opening and closing, leading to material fatigue and an uncomfortable operation.
Innovation Solution
A furniture accessory with a slide mechanism that allows for easy locking and unlocking of fastening elements, enabling the basket to be folded out or closed without deforming the holding elements, using energy storage devices to maintain the locked position without external force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable basket is made rigid and fixed at a fixed angle, then the storage space is always accessible, but the receiving space cannot be closed and cables can fall out easily
Solution Approach 1:
The cable basket is designed to be tiltable and adjustable, allowing it to transition between a fixed position for accessibility and a tilted position for closing the receiving space. This dynamic capability enables the basket to adapt its orientation based on operational needs while maintaining secure retention of contents through the locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the holding elements are deformed to connect and separate fastening elements, then the basket can be opened and closed, but material fatigue occurs and holding elements can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A slide mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the holding elements and fastening elements. The slide engages with the fastening elements through non-deforming interactions (pushing against inclined surfaces), thereby enabling opening and closing operations without subjecting the holding elements to repetitive deformation and material fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation-based mechanical connection is replaced with a sliding mechanism that uses inclined surfaces and geometric interlocking. Instead of deforming the holding elements to engage/disengage fastening elements, the slide moves along inclined surfaces to lock or unlock the fastening elements, eliminating the harmful deformation cycle.
3Ease of operation
If great force is applied to release the latching between holding elements and fastening elements, then the basket can be opened, but the operation becomes uncomfortable and demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static latched state to a dynamic unlocking process. When the slide is actuated, it moves along inclined surfaces that progressively disengage the fastening elements from the holding elements, converting a sudden high-force latching action into a gradual, low-force unlocking process that is more comfortable to operate.
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
The solution provides a convenient and reliable way to open and close the basket, reducing wear on the fastening elements and requiring minimal force, while maintaining the basket's secure fastening to the holder.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is designed to apply a force to the slide towards the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an improved furniture accessory (1) which can be fastened to a piece of furniture (100). The furniture accessory (1) comprises at least a bracket (10) and a basket (20). The bracket (10) comprises a first bracket element (11) and a second bracket element (12), and the basket (20) comprises a first fastening element (21) and a second fastening element (22). The basket (20) can be fastened to the bracket (10) by means of the bracket elements (11, 12) and the fastening elements (21, 22). The furniture accessory (1) further comprises a slider (30) displaceably mounted on the bracket (10), which slider is used for locking the first fastening element (21) in/on the first bracket element (11) and the second fastening element (22) in/on the second bracket element (12). The slider (30) can be displaced between a locking position, a first release position and a second release position, such that the basket (20) can be pivoted about a first pivot axis defined by the first bracket element (11) and about a second pivot axis defined by the second bracket element (12) in relation to the bracket (10).