Furniture Fitting Latching Spring Design for Secure Release Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture fittings with resilient latching tongues require elastic deformation to move past arresting cams into release positions, which can be cumbersome and lack secure fixation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating latching springs that deflect transversely during assembly, remaining prestressed until the release position, and using a latching head that engages with a slot for secure fixation, allowing for easy release and reconnection via a tool or finger access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resilient latching tongue is used to engage behind arresting cams, then the fitting can be releasably connected, but the latching tongue requires significant elastic deformation which is cumbersome and lacks secure fixation
Solution Approach 1:
A latching spring is introduced as an intermediary element between the latching tongue and the counter bearing. The spring mediates the interaction by providing controlled elastic deformation and maintaining prestress, thereby reducing the complexity of the direct engagement between the tongue and cam while ensuring secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching spring changes the physical state of the latching system by introducing controlled elasticity and prestress. The spring's elastic properties allow the latching tongue to engage smoothly with minimal deformation while maintaining a secure locked state through continuous prestress application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the latching tongue is made resilient to move past the arresting cam, then connection is possible, but secure fixation in the release position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latching spring is pre-loaded against the counter bearing before the latching tongue reaches the release position. This preliminary prestressing action ensures that when the tongue needs to be released, the spring is already positioned to provide immediate and secure re-engagement, enhancing both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching spring introduces dynamic elasticity to the system, allowing the latching tongue to move smoothly between locked and release positions while maintaining secure fixation. The spring's ability to deform and recover provides controlled movement and reliable re-engagement, balancing adaptability with security.
3Ease of manufacture
If the latching tongue deflects elastically to engage the arresting cam, then the fitting can be assembled, but the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The latching spring acts as a mediator that reduces the manual manipulation required during assembly. By providing controlled elastic deformation and maintaining prestress, the spring facilitates smooth engagement of the latching tongue with the arresting cam, making the assembly process easier while maintaining secure fixation.
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
Provides a secure and efficient mechanism for locking and releasing furniture fittings, ensuring the latching tongue remains fixed until separation, then snaps back to the ready position, enhancing usability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the latching tongue, for its part, has at least one latching spring, the free spring end of which, when the fitting parts are being plugged into each other, can be deflected transversely to the deflecting plane of the latching tongue by a counter bearing of the second fitting part, wherein the free spring end remains deflected by the counter bearing from the locking position until before the release position of the latching tongue is reached, and snaps back behind the counter bearing in the release position of the latching tongue
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for releasably connecting two furniture parts includes a first fitting part fastened on a first furniture part and a second fitting part fastened on a second furniture part. The second fitting part has at least one rigid latching cam which is engaged behind by a latching nose being provided on a deflectable latching tongue of the first fitting part. The latching tongue can be moved from its locking position engaged behind the latching cam, into a release position which can be fixed to the second fitting part. The latching tongue has at least one latching spring which can be deflected transversely to the deflecting plane of the latching tongue by a counter bearing of the second fitting part. The free spring end of the latching spring remains deflected by the counter bearing from the locking position until before the release position of the latching tongue is reached.