Furniture Drawer Locking Layout for Reliable Bolt Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing furniture drawer locking systems face issues with variable distances between components leading to potential defects or wear, which can prevent the bolt from activating the locking device effectively, causing instability in furniture tipping prevention.

Innovation Solution

A blocking system where the distance between one-piece elements is constant, with elements sized according to a monoblock height, eliminating the need for support modules, and incorporating a lever actuated by a bolt with a cam surface and 'T' shaped projection for stable activation of locking devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If variable distance between one-piece elements is used, then adaptability to different drawer configurations is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to defects or wear preventing effective activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different drawer configurationsVSAvoidreliability of locking device activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into multiple independent locking devices, each with its own one-piece element. Each element can be independently positioned at different distances from the bolt, allowing the system to adapt to various drawer configurations while maintaining reliable activation for each individual element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of the one-piece element positions along the base plate. The elements can be positioned at variable distances from the bolt depending on the drawer height and configuration, providing adaptability while ensuring each element remains within the effective activation range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If support modules are included, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support module functions are merged directly into the base plate structure. The base plate incorporates both the support function and the guide function for the one-piece elements, eliminating the need for separate support modules and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the movement of one-piece elements, and positions the locking devices. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate support modules, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If constant distance between one-piece elements is used, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to varying drawer heights deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of locking device activationVSAvoidadaptability to varying drawer heights
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple independent one-piece elements instead of a single rigid structure. Each element can be independently positioned at an optimal distance from the bolt, ensuring reliable activation while adapting to different drawer heights through selective positioning of individual elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The one-piece elements are positioned dynamically along the base plate according to the specific drawer configuration. The system allows for flexible positioning of elements to maintain optimal activation distance regardless of drawer height variations, ensuring both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures consistent and reliable activation of locking devices across varying drawer heights, preventing furniture tipping by maintaining a stable locking mechanism despite wear or defects, ensuring all drawers align properly for secure operation.

Implementation Method 1

a one-piece element with a cam surface (inclined surface above the one-piece element) for the bolt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

Each blocking device is composed of a lever, which must be operated by a bolt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever principle: Lever

Implementation Method 3

a protruding element at the back in 'T' to be able to move on the base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2128364B1Locking system for furniture drawers
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 OJMAR
  • EP2128364B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2128364B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2128364B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A locking system for furniture drawers, specifically those with a bolt attached to the drawer; this bolt actuates a locking device. All these locking devices are interconnected by means of a base plate fixed to the furniture. The drawers have a height (H) that must be a multiple of a predetermined dimension (d1). Each locking device consists of a lever, actuated by the bolt incorporated into a single-piece element. This element has a cam surface for the bolt and a T-shaped projection for its movement on the base plate. The predetermined distance (d1) must be a multiple of the height (m) of the single-piece element for the elements to fit together. The bolt is positioned at a distance (Z) from the edge of the drawer. This distance must also be a multiple of the height (m) of the single-piece element.