Furniture Ejection Locking Mechanism for Push-Pull Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockable ejection devices with cardioid curve-shaped sliding tracks can only be opened by pushing and not by pulling, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A lockable ejection device that allows unlocking by relative movement of the locking element with respect to the housing both upon over-pressing and pulling, using a detection device to transmit the position of the moveable furniture part to the locking element, and a rotary element that can rotate out of its central position to clear the path for the ejection element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cardioid curve-shaped sliding track is used for locking, then the ejection device can be locked securely in the closed position, but it can only be opened by pushing and not by pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable relative to the housing, transitioning between a locked position (blocking the ejection element) and an unlocked position (clearing the path). This dynamic adjustment allows the same locking mechanism to respond to both pushing and pulling forces, enabling opening in both directions while maintaining secure locking when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it blocks the ejection element in the closed position, it moves to unlock upon pushing, and it also moves to unlock upon pulling. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle both opening directions and the closed locked state, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and opening flexibility
2Device complexity
If the latching recess is fixed in the housing, then the structure is simple, but unlocking by pulling is not possible as the latching element cannot escape from the recess
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable relative to the housing, transitioning between a locked position (blocking the ejection element) and an unlocked position (clearing the path). This dynamic adjustment allows the same locking mechanism to respond to both pushing and pulling forces, enabling opening in both directions while maintaining secure locking when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the housing and the ejection element. It is connected to the ejection element but moves relative to the housing, mediating the interaction between the fixed housing structure and the movable ejection element. This intermediary function enables the system to achieve pulling unlock capability without requiring the housing itself to be complex or movable
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 the ejection device to be unlocked and opened by either pushing or pulling, ensuring the same movement of the locking element in both directions, enhancing usability and simplifying the design configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a force storage means (9) for storing a force and for acting on the ejection element (3) in the opening direction OR
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable ejection device for a movable furniture part includes an ejection element acting on the movable furniture part in an opening direction, a housing, and a locking element arranged in or on the housing. At least in the closing direction of the movable furniture part, the path of the ejection element in the opening direction can be blocked by the locking element. Both when excess pressure is applied to the movable furniture part from a closed position in the closing direction and when the movable furniture part is pulled from the closed position in the opening direction, the ejection element can be released by the locking element. Both when excess pressure is applied to the movable furniture part and when the movable furniture part is being pulled, the ejection element can be unlocked by a movement of the locking element relative to the housing.