Furniture Latch Track Shortcut for Interrupted Ejection Relocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In drive devices for moveable furniture parts with cardioid curve-like sliding tracks, if the ejection movement is interrupted due to incorrect operation, the latching element becomes stuck in the opening portion, preventing secure locking upon attempted closure, as it cannot move back into the locking recess without completing the full ejection travel.
Innovation Solution
A second connecting portion is introduced between the opening and closing portions of the sliding track, allowing the latching element to bypass the full track, accompanied by a deflection element, such as a spring-loaded flap, to ensure the latching element can easily return to the locking position, and an inclined deflecting means to guide it into this shortcut during the opening movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching element moves through the complete cardioid curve-like sliding track to return to the locking portion, then secure locking is restored, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming when ejection is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding track is segmented into multiple portions: opening portion, first connecting portion, second connecting portion (shortcut), and closing portion. The second connecting portion creates a shortcut that allows the latching element to bypass the opening portion and return directly to the locking portion, eliminating the need to traverse the entire cardioid curve when ejection is interrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection element acts as an intermediary mechanism that guides the latching element into the second connecting portion (shortcut). When the latching element encounters the deflection element during closing movement, it is redirected into the shortcut path, enabling easy return to the locking portion without manual intervention or complex operations.
2Productivity
If the opening portion is made long to accommodate complete ejection travel, then full ejection movement is enabled, but the latching element becomes stuck in the opening portion when ejection is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding track is divided into functional segments: the opening portion accommodates complete ejection travel, the first connecting portion transitions from opening to closing, and the second connecting portion (shortcut) provides an emergency return path. This segmentation allows the opening portion to be sufficiently long for full ejection while providing alternative paths for interrupted operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second connecting portion (shortcut) is pre-configured in the sliding track as a contingency path. When ejection is interrupted and the latching element remains in the opening portion, the shortcut is already in place and can be accessed during closing movement to return the latching element to the locking portion without requiring the operator to complete the full ejection travel.
3Reliability
If the latching element is held in the locking portion during closing movement, then secure locking is maintained, but the latching element cannot return to the locking recess when ejection is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the operational state. During normal closing movement, the latching element is held in the locking portion to maintain security. However, when ejection is interrupted and the latching element is in the opening portion, the second connecting portion (shortcut) becomes dynamically accessible, allowing the latching element to return to the locking portion through the shortcut path when encountering the deflection element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on the state of the latching element. When the latching element is properly positioned, the locking mechanism maintains high security with the latching element held in the locking portion. When the latching element is stuck in the opening portion due to interrupted ejection, the system activates an alternative parameter set where the second connecting portion (shortcut) is engaged, allowing the latching element to return to the locking recess through a different path.
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 secure locking of the latching element in the locking recess even after an interrupted ejection process, allowing for easy relocking without requiring the latching element to travel the entire cardioid curve, thus improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection element, such as a spring-loaded flap, to ensure the latching element can easily return to the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device for a movable furniture part includes a latching element which is movable in a slotted guide track shaped as a cardioid. The slotted guide track has a closing section in which the latching element moves during the closing of the movable furniture part, a locking section with a latching trough, in which the latching element is held in the locking position, an opening section in which the latching element is movable during the opening of the movable furniture part, and a first connecting section via which the latching element is movable from the opening section into the closing section when the furniture part is open. A second connecting section, which is formed closer to the latching trough, is located between opening section and closing section.