Furniture Coupling Element with Spring Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for furniture with multiple pull-out parts face challenges in simplifying the assembly process, particularly in coupling the furniture parts to the locking bar.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element with a housing that can abut against the locking bar and a driver displaceably mounted in the housing, operatively connected to the locking bar. The housing includes a guide track for a pin of the driver and at least one spring element to fix the housing relative to the locking bar, allowing for simple and safe assembly by resiliently giving way to the activator attached to the pull-out furniture part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system is used to prevent simultaneous pull-out of multiple drawers, then safety and locking function are improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate functional modules: the locking bar (5) that spans multiple drawers, the coupling elements (3) that interface with individual drawers, and the drivers (4) that perform the locking action. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element (3) is designed with a housing (31) that receives and nests the driver (4) within it. The driver is displaceably mounted in the housing, allowing it to move between locked and unlocked positions while remaining contained within the coupling element structure. This nested design consolidates multiple components into a compact unit, simplifying assembly.
2Reliability
If a complex locking system with multiple components is implemented, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element (32) is designed to automatically engage the housing (31) with the locking bar (5) through elastic deformation. When the coupling element is installed, the spring element flexes to accommodate the locking bar and then snaps into place, providing self-fixing without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. This self-service mechanism maintains locking reliability while dramatically simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element (32) utilizes elastic parameter changes to enable easy assembly. By designing the spring element with appropriate flexibility and force characteristics, it can temporarily deform during assembly to allow the housing to engage with the locking bar, then automatically return to its original shape to secure the connection. This parameter-based approach transforms a potentially complex mechanical fastening operation into a simple snap-fit assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixing of the coupling element to the locking bar is used, then connection stability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates due to lack of tolerance compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element (32) transforms the rigid connection into a dynamic, flexible joint. Instead of requiring precise tolerances for a rigid fit, the spring element accommodates variations in manufacturing tolerances and installation alignment through elastic deformation. The spring provides continuous contact force to maintain stable connection while allowing for natural dimensional variations, thereby improving ease of assembly without sacrificing connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element utilizes changes in elastic parameters (flexibility, force constant) to compensate for tolerance variations. By selecting appropriate spring characteristics, the system can absorb dimensional variations in the locking bar and housing while maintaining sufficient connection stability for reliable locking operation. This parameter-based tolerance compensation eliminates the need for tight tolerances and complex alignment procedures during assembly.
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
The coupling element enables a simple and safe assembly of the pull-out furniture parts into the locking system, facilitating the coupling of the individual furniture parts to the locking bar, thus improving the assembly efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The housing (31) comprises at least one spring element (32) serving to fix the housing (31) relative to the locking bar (5) in order to allow a substantially vertical evasive movement of the coupling element (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling element for coupling a locking bar of a piece of furniture has a plurality of pull-out furniture parts to an activator coupled directly or indirectly to one of the pull-out furniture parts has a housing which can be placed against the locking bar, a driver which is mounted displaceably in the housing and is operatively connected to the locking bar for locking an extension movement of the other furniture part or parts, wherein the housing has a guide track in which a pin of the driver is guided, wherein the housing has at least one spring element serving to fix the housing relative to the locking bar. Furthermore, a locking system and a piece of furniture are described.