Expandable Drawer Divider Locking Mechanism for Stable Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional spring-loaded drawer dividers lose tension over time, causing them to become loose and move within the drawer, and often lack sufficient holding force for wider drawers.

Innovation Solution

An expandable drawer divider with a first panel and a second panel slidably connected via a lock mechanism, featuring a lever and lock member that pivots to engage or disengage with a linear rack, providing secure telescoping movement and adjustable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If spring-compression force is used to hold the divider in place, then the divider can be easily installed and removed, but the springs lose tension over time causing the divider to become loose and move within the drawer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidposition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism transitions from a static spring system to a dynamic system where the lever can pivot between locked and unlocked positions. The lock member moves between engaged and disengaged states with the linear rack, providing adjustable stability rather than fixed spring pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the spring-mechanical system with a lever-based mechanical advantage system. The lock member acts as a lever that pivots to engage or disengage from the linear rack, providing more reliable mechanical locking without relying on spring tension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If spring-loaded mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the holding force is insufficient for wider drawers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidholding force

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism provides adjustable positioning along the linear rack, allowing the lever to engage at different positions to optimize holding force for various drawer widths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking system is segmented into distinct components (lever, lock member, linear rack) that work together, allowing the holding force to be distributed and adjusted independently from the overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the lock member is engaged with the linear rack, then the second panel is securely held in position, but the lever must pivot through a larger angle requiring more operational space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition securityVSAvoidlever operation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock member engagement occurs in a direction perpendicular to the lever's pivot axis, allowing the lever to engage the lock member through a smaller pivot angle while still achieving secure positioning through the perpendicular locking action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 expandable drawer divider maintains its position securely within the drawer, preventing movement and ensuring effective organization without the need for constant adjustment, even in wider compartments.

Implementation Method 1

The lever is configured to pivot about a pivot axis oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the divider toward a first position wherein the lock member is moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis into engagement with the second panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The locking mechanism includes a lever and a lock member operably connected to the lever. The lever is configured to pivot toward a first position wherein the lock member is moved in a longitudinal direction of the divider and then in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the divider into engagement with the linear rack

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20190069674A1Expanding drawer divider

Publication Date: 2019.03.07 KAZ EUROPE SA

AI summary

An expandable drawer divider includes a first panel, a second panel and a lock mechanism. The second panel is slidably connected to the first panel. The locking mechanism includes a lever and a lock member operably connected to the lever. The lever is configured to pivot about a pivot axis oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the divider toward a first position wherein the lock member is moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis into engagement with the second panel and pivot toward a second position wherein the lock member is disengaged from the second panel and the second panel is movable relative to the first panel.