Coupled Drawer Latching Fittings for Two-Side Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer locking systems for pull-out guides often require pressing the drawer into the furniture body to open, which can cause damage and lead to incorrect operation, especially with wide drawers where only one side of the locking mechanism may be unlocked.
Innovation Solution
A latching system with two coupled latching fittings, each with a switching cam and energy accumulator, allowing the drawer to be opened by either pushing or pulling, ensuring both sides are unlocked simultaneously to prevent incorrect operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawer is pressed into the furniture body to unlock the locking mechanism, then the drawer can be opened, but this can cause damage to the drawer or furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional unlocking mechanism by enabling both pushing and pulling operations to unlock the drawer. The switching cam is designed with a loop-shaped section that allows the switching element to be disengaged from the latching depression either by pushing the drawer closed or by pulling the drawer open, eliminating the need to force the drawer against spring pressure and preventing damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only one side of the locking mechanism is unlocked in wide drawers, then partial opening is possible, but handling becomes problematic and incorrect operations may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent couples multiple latching fittings together through a common switching mechanism. When one switching element is disengaged from its latching depression, the coupling mechanism ensures that other switching elements are simultaneously disengaged from their respective latching depressions. This merging of the unlocking actions across multiple sides ensures coordinated operation and prevents incorrect handling.
3Reliability
If the force of energy storage devices is increased to ensure reliable locking, then unlocking reliability improves, but unintentional opening may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic force balancing through the switching cam mechanism. The loop-shaped switching cam allows the switching element to follow a controlled path during engagement and disengagement. The energy storage devices are preloaded to provide reliable locking forces, but the geometric design of the switching cam ensures that these forces are directed appropriately during normal operation and do not cause unintentional opening.
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 system simplifies operation by allowing choice in opening method and prevents incorrect unlocking, ensuring the drawer opens even if only one side is initially unlocked, while also preventing unintentional opening through adjustable forces.
Implementation Method 1
a latching depression for the switching element preloaded by an energy accumulator being formed on a loop-shaped section of the switching cam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The locking system has two locking fittings (50), which are coupled with each other by a movable furniture piece. Each locking fitting has a switching curve, in which a switching element is guided. A locking cavity is formed for the switching element at a loop shaped section.