Furniture Ejection Latch Blocking for Secure Drawer Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for furniture parts fail to ensure secure closure when subjected to excessive or rapid closure, leading to immediate re-opening and unreliable locking.
Innovation Solution
A blocking element that adjusts its position based on closing speed, preventing further movement into the over-pressed position when excessive speed is detected, and includes a damping mechanism to ensure the furniture part remains closed for a controlled duration before allowing further movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ejection device uses a touch-latch mechanism for soft closure, then the drawer can be held in the closed position under normal conditions, but the drawer cannot be reliably stopped in the closed position when closed excessively vigorously
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be dynamically positionable between two states: a first position where it abuts against the closed position abutment to prevent over-closing, and a second position where it moves into the evasion portion to allow normal closing. This dynamic positioning allows the same component to provide different functions based on closing conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability under vigorous closing and normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the blocking element based on closing speed or force conditions. When closing speed exceeds a threshold or force is excessive, the blocking element transitions to the first position to stop the drawer. Under normal closing conditions, it transitions to the second position. This parameter change enables the system to adapt its behavior to different operating conditions, ensuring reliability without unnecessary complexity.
2Reliability
If the blocking element prevents all movement into the over-pressed position, then secure closure is guaranteed, but the ejection device cannot be unlocked by over-pressing when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element's position is dynamically determined by the closing conditions. During normal operation or vigorous closing, it occupies the first position to prevent over-pressing and ensure secure closure. However, when the user intentionally over-presses to unlock, the blocking element transitions to the second position, allowing the drawer to move into the over-pressed position and trigger the ejection mechanism. This dynamic behavior provides both security and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the drawer and the ejection mechanism. It mediates by selectively allowing or preventing movement into the over-pressed position based on detected conditions. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled interface that enables both secure closure and intentional unlocking.
3Reliability
If the blocking element is speed-controlled to prevent excessive closing, then immediate re-opening is prevented, but the device requires complex speed sensing and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to automatically respond to closing speed or force conditions without requiring external speed sensors or complex control systems. The element itself detects the excessive closing condition through mechanical means (such as the rate at which it is pushed against the abutment) and self-adjusts its position accordingly. This self-service approach provides speed-controlled functionality while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic or sensor-based speed detection systems with a purely mechanical detection and response mechanism. The blocking element uses mechanical properties (such as inertial effects, force thresholds, or timing mechanisms like rotational dampers) to detect excessive closing speed and respond appropriately. This substitution of mechanical systems for electronic ones simplifies the overall device while maintaining the desired functionality.
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
Guarantees reliable attainment and maintenance of the closed position, preventing immediate re-opening during excessive closure and ensuring secure locking, even under high-speed or forceful manual closure.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking element (70) which has a first position in which the moveable furniture part (2) can be stopped when reaching the closed position (SS), wherein the blocking element (70) prevents a further movement of the moveable furniture part (2) in the closing direction (SR)
Implementation Method 2
The blocking element can be adapted to be time-controlled, for example by way of a rotational damper
Implementation Method 3
A force storage member, preferably a torsion spring, is preferably provided for triggering the movement of that blocking element
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device for a movable furniture part includes a lockable ejection device for ejecting the movable furniture part out of a closed position into an open position. The ejection device can be unlocked by pushing the movable furniture part over into an pushed-over position located behind the closed position in the closing direction. A blocking element is provided, and the blocking element has a first position in which the movable furniture part can be stopped when reaching the closed position, so that the blocking element prevents a further movement of the movable furniture part in the closing direction. The locking element also has a second position in which the path into the pushed-over position for the movable furniture part is enabled.