Drawer Locking Mechanism With Blocking Release for Synchronous Closing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronization mechanisms for furniture drawer locking devices do not ensure synchronous locking, leading to issues when drawers are pushed in at an angle, resulting in uneven locking and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a blocking device system where each locking device has a release mechanism that prevents locking on one side until the other side is far enough into the furniture body, ensuring straight alignment, using position sensors or a synchronization rod to coordinate the blocking and release positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If synchronization mechanisms are used to coordinate ejection devices on both sides, then ejection movement is synchronized, but synchronous locking is not guaranteed and potential damage occurs when drawer is pushed in at an angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronous lockingVSAvoiddamage to locking devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device prevents locking action on one side until the drawer is sufficiently inserted, countering the potential harmful effect of premature locking. When the drawer is pushed in at an angle, the blocking device blocks the locking mechanism on the side that would lock first, preventing damage until proper alignment is achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs a preliminary check of drawer insertion depth through the release means before allowing locking to occur. The blocking device remains in the blocking position during the preliminary insertion phase, and only releases to allow locking once the drawer has been inserted far enough to ensure proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If blocking device prevents locking on one side until other side is far enough in, then synchronous locking is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronous lockingVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is integrated into the existing locking device structure, combining the blocking function with the locking mechanism rather than adding a completely separate system. The release means is coupled to both locking devices through the synchronization rod, merging the control functions into a unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization rod serves multiple functions: it coordinates the ejection movement of both carriages and simultaneously controls the blocking devices on both sides. The blocking device itself serves dual purposes by both preventing premature locking and indicating proper insertion depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2770876B1Synchronized locking system for a movable furniture part

Publication Date: 2015.07.29 JULIUS BLUM GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement with two locking devices which are arranged either side of a movable furniture part (2) for locking the movable furniture part (2) with respect to a furniture body (16) in a locking position (VS). Each locking device has a blocking device (40) which prevents the locking position (VS) from being reached in a blocking position (BS). Each locking device has a releasing means (45) by means of which the blocking position (BS) of the blocking device associated with the other locking device (40) can be cancelled.