Drawer Latch Assembly with Integrated Lock and Modular Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing latching mechanisms for drawers are labor-intensive to assemble, lack cost-effective manufacturing, and do not provide a secure locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized access, as they rely solely on a handle pull for opening.
Innovation Solution
The proposed latching mechanism incorporates a support with a back plate and end cap, a latch with a pivotal axis, and a locking mechanism with a translatable locking member, allowing for easier assembly, reduced manufacturing costs, and an integrated security lock that prevents opening by handle pull alone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded latches with compression springs are used between the latch and support, then the latching mechanism provides robust locking capability, but assembly becomes very time and labor intensive and cannot be readily automated
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into separate modular components: a latch assembly with integrated torsion spring, a support structure, and a handle assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled quickly using simple snap-fit connections rather than complex compression spring installation, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving assembly productivity and enabling automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring is pre-installed and pre-tensioned within the latch assembly during manufacturing, rather than being installed as compression springs between components during final assembly. This preliminary action ensures the spring is correctly positioned and tensioned before the latch is installed on the drawer, eliminating the need for complex compression spring installation and reducing assembly time and labor.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple latching mechanism with handle pull is used, then assembly is easier and manufacturing cost is reduced, but security locking capability is insufficient as it can be overcome by simply pulling the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a simple latch mechanism with a separate lock mechanism into an integrated assembly. The latch provides the basic holding function with easy manufacture, while the lock mechanism (with key cylinder or other authentication device) is combined with the latch assembly. This merging maintains the ease of manufacture of simple latches while adding security capability that prevents opening without proper authentication, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and security reliability.
3Reliability
If a separate locking system is added to provide security, then security locking capability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a completely separate locking system, the patent integrates the lock mechanism directly into the existing latch assembly. The lock mechanism shares common components with the latch (such as the stem, cam, or actuating elements), so that the same basic structure serves both latching and locking functions. This merging provides security capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity and manufacturing cost compared to a fully separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a simple latching mechanism and as a security-locked mechanism. The same basic components (latch arm, stem, cam) perform different functions depending on whether the lock mechanism is engaged or disengaged. This universality allows a single integrated assembly to provide both ease of manufacture and security capability without requiring entirely separate systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.
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 simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing costs, and provides a secure locking mechanism that enhances drawer security by allowing selective access control without requiring a separate locking system.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring that is engaged with the end cap and the latch and that is configured to bias the latch between the open position and the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The trailing end of the latch defines a pivotal axis and the latch is configured to pivot along the pivotal axis between an open position in which the moveable member is moveable in the cabinet and a closed position in which the latch prevents the moveable member from moving away from the cabinet
Data Source
AI summary
A latching mechanism can secure one or more moveable members in a cabinet. The latching mechanism includes a support having a back plate mounted to the moveable member and having an opening extending therethrough, an end cap attached to the support and having a mating stem that extends into the support, and a latch having a leading end that extends through the opening in the back plate and a trailing end having a mating bore that is sized to receive the mating stem of the end cap. The mating bore of the latch defines a pivotal axis. The latch is configured to pivot along the pivotal axis between an open position in which the moveable member is moveable in the cabinet and a closed position in which the latch prevents the moveable member from moving away from the cabinet. A locking mechanism for this type of cabinet is also provided.