Drawer Rocker-Arm Latch for Secure Open and Closed Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer blocking mechanisms for vehicles are complex, requiring many components, leading to high storage and assembly costs, and do not provide a simple and intuitive way to secure drawers in both closed and open positions, especially under external forces like acceleration and braking.
Innovation Solution
A blocking mechanism using a rocker arm with a pivot and a cam system, which engages and disengages with pins and tangs to secure drawers in closed or open positions, requiring minimal components and a handle for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex blocking mechanisms with multiple components are used, then reliable blocking of drawers is achieved, but device complexity and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple blocking functions into a single integrated rocker arm component. The rocker arm simultaneously provides blocking in both closed and open positions through its oscillation between two stable equilibrium positions, eliminating the need for separate blocking mechanisms for each position and reducing the total number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker arm serves multiple functions: it acts as both a blocking mechanism for closed position and open position, incorporates spring elements for providing restoring forces, and includes cam surfaces for actuation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining reliable blocking capability.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for blocking, then effective drawer securing is achieved, but assembly time and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple blocking functions into the single rocker arm component, the assembly process is simplified. Instead of assembling and coordinating multiple separate blocking mechanisms, only one component needs to be installed and configured, significantly reducing assembly time and management overhead.
3Device complexity
If simple blocking mechanisms are used, then component count is reduced, but intuitive operation and secure blocking in both positions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arm utilizes dynamic oscillation between two stable equilibrium positions to provide blocking. The inherent spring forces and geometric design create self-locking positions that are intuitively operated through simple cam actuation, maintaining ease of operation while reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements in the rocker arm provide self-service by automatically generating restoring forces that maintain the blocking positions without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The system self-regulates to maintain secure blocking.
4Reliability
If complex blocking systems are used, then drawer blocking under external forces is improved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated rocker arm design combines multiple blocking functions that would otherwise require separate components to handle different blocking scenarios (closed position, open position, various external forces). This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and assembly costs while maintaining reliable blocking under all operating conditions.
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
This solution reduces component count and assembly costs, provides easy and intuitive operation, and automatically secures drawers in both positions, reducing the risk of accidental opening or uncontrolled movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring force acting on the rocker arm in a first direction about the pivot, tending to restore the rocker arm to the first stable equilibrium position; and a second spring force acting on the rocker arm in a second direction about the pivot, tending to restore the rocker arm to the second stable equilibrium position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A blocking mechanism for drawers, slidingly housed in a fixed structure, comprises at least one rocker arm (4), rotatably hinged to the drawer and having at least first means for blocking (6) engageable with a respective first portion (7) of the fixed structure, for blocking the drawer in a closed configuration in which the drawer is in a closed position contained within the fixed structure. The mechanism (1) further comprises a handle (17) constrained to a front portion (3) of the drawer and associated with the rocker arm (4), for activating an unblocking command starting from the closed configuration.