Electronic Blocking Module for Furniture Drawer Anti-Overturn

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanical anti-overturn systems for office furniture drawers are cumbersome, difficult to install, and require physical keys, leading to user inconvenience and installation challenges due to size constraints.

Innovation Solution

An electronic blocking module with a motor-driven cam system, positioning sensors, and a spring-actuated punch mechanism that allows controlled locking and unlocking of drawers via user identification methods like RFID, biometrics, or serial communication, ensuring smooth operation and space-efficient installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical blocking system with physical key is used, then the drawer can be securely locked, but the user convenience deteriorates due to the need for physical keys

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key-based blocking system with an electronic control system. The electronic blocking module receives control signals wirelessly (via RF, infrared, or Bluetooth) and automatically actuates the blocking mechanism, eliminating the need for physical keys while maintaining secure locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic blocking and unblocking operations through wireless communication. When an authorized user approaches or interacts with the system, it automatically performs the blocking/unblocking action without requiring manual key insertion or mechanical operation, making the system serve itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a mechanical lock with cylinder and eccentric shaft is used, then the blocking function is achieved, but the device size increases occupying valuable furniture space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking functionVSAvoidlock size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the bulky mechanical components (cylinder, eccentric shaft) with a compact electronic blocking module. The electronic actuator drives a cam mechanism that operates the blocking tab, significantly reducing the overall size of the locking device while maintaining the same blocking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking system is divided into separate functional modules: the electronic blocking module, the cam mechanism, and the blocking tab. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a more compact overall design compared to the integrated mechanical lock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If a mechanical strip fastening system is used, then the blocking mechanism is secured to furniture, but installation becomes difficult due to lack of fastening space in reinforced zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical strip fastening system with an adhesive bonding system. The electronic blocking module and cam mechanism are secured to the furniture using adhesive, which eliminates the need for physical fastening holes in the reinforced zones, greatly simplifying installation while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 electronic blocking module provides a user-friendly, space-efficient, and reliable solution for preventing drawer opening, allowing seamless operation and reducing mechanical stress, while accommodating various user identification methods.

Implementation Method 1

a punch spring that presses a punch against the tab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the movement to a cam, the shaft of which continuously supports it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS9284752B2Anti-overturn locking system for furniture drawers, with electronic blocking module

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 OJMAR

AI summary

Anti-overturn locking system for furniture drawers, with electronic blocking module, where:the locking system consists of: strip (7), support (6), mobile blocking device (9) and punch (5) which moves linearly guided on a cover (8) on being operated by the blocking module or by an associated punch spring (10); the mobile blocking device (9) may or may not move on the strip (7) according to the position of the punch (5); andthe electronic blocking module consists of: tab (2) that can move linearly on casing (1) by the action of a motor (3) that transfers the movement to a cam (4) the shaft of which (4a) continuously supports it due to the force exerted by a tab spring (11); and electronic plate (12) equipped with a first sensor (12a) and a second sensor (12b) on which an arm (2a) of the tab (2) is positioned.