Furniture Drawer Locking Mechanism with Threaded Pin Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture locking systems are impractical due to the need to carry keys, risk of key loss or breakage, and aesthetically unpleasing keyholes, which compromise security and design.
Innovation Solution
A locking/unlocking apparatus featuring a sliding bar with a tooth that cooperates with moving means, including a button, threaded pin, and ring, allowing easy and reliable operation while maintaining a clean design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key-operated lock is used to secure drawers, then security is improved, but convenience deteriorates due to the need to carry keys and risk of key loss or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The key element is extracted and replaced with a button mechanism. The button (30) with threaded housing (30a) operates a threaded pin (31) that moves the bar (1) between locked and unlocked positions, eliminating the need for keys while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system becomes self-contained within the furniture piece. The button is integrated into the furniture structure with the threaded pin and bar mechanism, allowing users to lock and unlock drawers without external keys or carrying additional items.
2Reliability
If a keyhole is provided on the drawer front for locking, then security is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to the visible keyhole interrupting the clean design
Solution Approach 1:
The keyhole is completely removed from the drawer front. The button mechanism is positioned on the side or top of the drawer rather than on the visible front surface, eliminating the aesthetic disruption while preserving the locking function.
3Reliability
If a key-operated locking mechanism is installed, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to the key, keyhole, and internal locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The key and keyhole components are extracted from the system. The locking mechanism is simplified to a button (30) that threads a pin (31) to move a bar (1) with a tooth (11), reducing the number of parts while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses threaded engagement (screw threads on the pin and button housing) to convert rotational motion of the button into linear motion of the bar, providing a simple yet effective way to achieve locked and unlocked states.
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
Enables secure, easy, and aesthetically pleasing locking and unlocking of drawers or door panels, ensuring contents are protected without the need for physical keys and enhancing the furniture's design.
Implementation Method 1
The moving means comprise a threaded pin (31) that is revolvingly and slidingly mounted in the frame (33). The threaded pin (31) has a first threaded ending section (31a) that is screwed into the threaded housing (30a) of the button (30) and a second threaded ending section (31b) that is screwed into the threaded hole (32b) of the ring (32).
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking/unlocking apparatus (100) comprises: a bar (1) comprising a tooth (11) that projects from said bar (1); the bar (1) cooperates with means (M) of the drawer (70) of the furniture (7); the locking/unlocking apparatus (100) comprises moving means (3) for moving the bar (1), comprising: a frame (33) fixed to the piece of furniture (7), a button (30) connected to the frame (33), a ring (32) revolvingly mounted in the frame (33), a threaded pin (31) revolvingly and slidingly mounted in the frame (33) and screwed in the button (30) and in the ring (32), and a peg (34) joined to the ring (32) and projecting from the frame (33); the peg (34) moves the tooth (11) of the bar (1).