Furniture Lever Fastener With Self-Locking Easy Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for furniture parts often fail to provide a secure yet easily removable connection, particularly between drawers and front panels, as they either lack sufficient rigidity or are difficult to detach for maintenance or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device featuring a lever mechanism with a cross plate and spring-loaded components that self-lock during engagement and can be easily released by pivoting the lever against the spring force, allowing for secure attachment and simple detachment of furniture parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If spring-loaded levers with strong latching are used to ensure rigid connection during normal drawer operation, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of removal for cleaning or replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device employs a dynamic lever mechanism that can exist in two stable states: a locked position where the lever engages with the drawer frame to provide strong connection, and an unlocked position where the lever disengages to allow easy removal. The spring element provides the necessary force to maintain these stable states and enables transition between them through controlled pivoting motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the mechanical state parameters of the connection system by utilizing spring force to transition the lever between engaged and disengaged positions. The spring constant and preload are designed to provide sufficient latching force during normal use while allowing controlled release when activation force is applied to the activation element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the lever is designed to self-lock during engagement to ensure firm connection, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the slot and axis mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever mechanism is designed to automatically self-lock during the engagement process without requiring additional locking components or complex control systems. As the lever pivots into the engaged position, the geometry of the lever arm, slot, and transverse axis naturally creates a self-locking condition where friction and mechanical interference prevent unintended disengagement, while the spring maintains the locked state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures a firm connection while allowing for easy removal of furniture parts by leveraging a self-locking mechanism that can be released with minimal effort, ensuring both stability and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (11) designed as a compression spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the front lever arm (12) has, adjoining its recess (14) for the transverse axis (15), an approximately right-angled, downwardly directed shoulder (16) with the ramp (17) for the holder (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

By supporting the lever on the transverse axis, the lever is self-locking against an opening movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2055208B1Device for attaching items of furniture
Publication Date: 2010.05.19 ANTON SCHNEIDER GMBH
  • EP2055208B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2055208B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The device has a two armed lever (6) is pivoted at a furniture piece around a rotating axis (7), whose front lever arm (12) is formed approximately hook shaped with a contact surface lying in a holder (1) of another furniture piece for engaging. The holder of another furniture piece consists of a cross-plate (4) conducting from a spacing unit (3). The spring loaded lever moving longitudinally is supported in a defined manner in the holder for engaging and the front lever arm has an additional recess (14) for end-support on a fixed transverse axis (15).