Furniture Drawer Locking Device with Concealed Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Most dresser drawers and cabinets lack integral locks, necessitating a temporary locking solution to deter unauthorized access and prevent snooping, while ensuring that the lock cannot be easily opened or reset by intruders.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising a securable base attached to the furniture's interior surface and an extending member with a locking end portion that prevents the drawer from opening, using a locking mechanism such as a padlock or ratcheting lock, which is securely attached to the furniture's frame when the drawer is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temporary locking device is installed on a furniture drawer, then unauthorized access is deterred and signs of tampering are revealed, but the device must be easily installable and removable by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into separate components: a base member that attaches to the furniture frame, an extending member that bridges the gap, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and removal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member is pre-attached to the furniture frame before the extending member is installed. This preliminary action ensures that the foundation of the locking system is secure and simplifies the subsequent installation of the extending member and locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If the locking end portion extends through the drawer opening, then it prevents the drawer from opening and shows signs of tampering, but it must remain hidden from external view when the drawer is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device has different properties in different locations: the base member is hidden within the furniture frame, the extending member is concealed within the drawer opening gap, and only the locking mechanism is externally accessible. This local differentiation achieves both security and aesthetic requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The extending member is nested within the gap between the drawer and frame, while the base member is nested within the furniture structure. This nesting allows the locking components to be hidden within the furniture's existing structure rather than protruding externally.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism requires significant effort to open, then it deters intruders, but it must still allow easy opening by the authorized user with the proper key or combination
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a simple padlock or combination lock that can be easily opened with the correct key or combination, yet requires significant force or time to break or bypass without authorization. The simplicity of the locking mechanism itself provides the security differential.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing closed a drawer of a dresser, cabinet or desk. The device includes a base that is secured to an interior surface of the frame, which cannot be accessed when the drawer is closed within the drawer opening of the frame, and an extending member. The extending member has a first end portion that attaches releasably to the base, and a second end that extends exteriorly through the drawer opening and between the drawer and the frame. The device is not built into or integral with the drawer or the frame of the dresser, cabinet or desk.