Synchronized Furniture Ejector Locking to Prevent Front Panel Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockable ejection devices for furniture parts face issues such as increased space requirements and a tendency for the front panel to tilt due to torsion bar coupling, making them less efficient and prone to maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization mechanism with coupling elements and a synchronization unit that couples these elements in opposite directions, along with an overload protection mechanism and adjustable components, ensures reliable operation and easy maintenance by preventing panel tilt and allowing for adjustments without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two locking units are coupled via a torsion bar, then the locking units are connected, but the front panel tilts and additional space is required in the depth of the furniture
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization rod acts as an intermediary element connecting the two locking units. The rod transmits movement between the locking units while maintaining their synchronous operation, eliminating the need for torsion bar coupling that causes panel tilt. The intermediary rod provides a stable connection without the detrimental side effects of the previous torsion-based system.
2Reliability
If two locking units are coupled via a torsion bar, then the locking units are connected, but additional space is required in the depth of the furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism transitions from a depth-oriented torsion bar coupling to a width-oriented rod connection. By arranging the synchronization rod laterally between the locking units rather than using a deep torsion bar, the design reduces the space requirement in the depth dimension of the furniture while maintaining effective coupling between the locking units.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the synchronization unit has a stationary mounting, then the coupling is stable, but the coupling elements or synchronization unit may become distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization unit is designed with a rotatable mounting on the intermediate element rather than a completely stationary fixed mounting. This dynamic capability allows the synchronization unit to accommodate movement variations and stress without becoming distorted, while still maintaining stable coupling between the locking units. The rotatable feature provides flexibility to handle operational stresses.
4Device complexity
If the receiving elements are fixed in position, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the front gap cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving elements are made adjustable along the synchronization rod rather than being fixed in position. This dynamic positioning capability allows the front gap to be adjusted by moving the receiving elements to different locations on the rod, while the overall locking mechanism remains relatively simple. The adjustability is achieved through a straightforward linear movement along the rod without complex mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~6
Figure 7a~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a lockable ejector device for a furniture part (2) that is movably supported in a piece of furniture (1), comprising a fixing device (5) for locking the movable furniture part (2) in place in a closed end position (E), and at least one ejector element (20) for moving the movable furniture part (2) from the closed end position (E) into an open position, wherein the fixing device (5) comprises at least two locking units (6), which are coupled to each other and each have a receiving element (7) for an engagement element (8), wherein at least two locking units (6) are operatively connected to each other by way of a synchronization mechanism (24), which has at least two coupling elements (26), each associated with different locking units (6), and at least one synchronization unit (27), wherein the coupling elements (26) are coupled by way of the synchronization unit (27) with respect to the movements thereof.