Furniture Front Coupling Latch for Sequential Side Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for attaching a front to a side part of movable furniture require active force to release the locking element, making it difficult to detach the front from the side part, especially when both locking elements need to be simultaneously brought into a release position.
Innovation Solution
A device with a latching pawl on the fastening lug, guided linearly for easy release, and locking means with two movable locking members that prevent the locking element from returning to its locked position, allowing for sequential release of both side parts, enabling simple detachment of the front from the side part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking element with urging means is used to secure the front to the side part, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because active force is required to release the locking element
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into two independent locking elements (first locking element on one side part, second locking element on the other side part). This allows sequential release operation where one locking element can be released independently before the other, eliminating the need to simultaneously operate both locking elements and their associated actuating tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blocking members as intermediary elements that prevent the locking elements from automatically snapping back into the locked position after being released. The blocking members act as mediators that maintain the released state without requiring continuous active force from the user, thereby enabling easy release while maintaining connection strength during normal operation.
2Reliability
If both locking elements must be simultaneously brought into release position for detachment, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for coordinated operation of multiple locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent, identical locking elements that can be operated separately. Each locking element functions independently with its own urging means and blocking member, allowing sequential release without requiring coordinated simultaneous operation. This segmentation maintains connection reliability through dual locking while simplifying operation by eliminating the need for synchronized release.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring both locking elements to be released simultaneously (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the release sequence by allowing one locking element to be released first and held in the released state by its blocking member. This inversion transforms a complex simultaneous operation into a simple sequential operation, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 easy and quick detachment of the front from the side part by allowing one side part's locking element to be released first, followed by the other, without needing constant force to prevent the locking element from snapping back, facilitating the removal of the front from the side part.
Implementation Method 1
the loading means have a compression spring which, by means of a spring force generating the loading force, act on the latching pawl, pressing it in the direction of the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device has a coupling unit (14) attached to a front part (12) and a side part (13). The coupling unit comprises a fastening latch and a retaining part (19). The latch is connected with the retaining part by a locking element (27) in a detachable manner such that the element is transferred to a locking position in which the element is held by loading force exerted by loading units. The element is moved from the locking position to a releasing position by counter force acting opposite to the loading force. A locking unit (32) inhibits rear movement of the element into the locking position.