Pull-Out Furniture Locking Bar With Integrated Self-Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for extendable furniture parts are complex and costly, requiring separate electromechanical components that increase material and installation costs, and do not efficiently integrate multiple functional elements like self-closing and damping.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with two activators and drivers, where the second driver is connected to a locking bar for multiple pull-out furniture parts, allowing for simultaneous locking and self-closing activation, utilizing a spring with optimal spring constant for running properties, and an ejection device that can be actuated independently to prevent damage during normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex electromechanical locking system is used, then locking functionality is achieved, but material costs and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromechanical locking systems with a purely mechanical locking mechanism. The locking system uses a locking bar (5) with locking elements (15) that engage with recesses (43) in the drawer front, actuated by a mechanical driver (12) connected to a spring (9). This eliminates the need for electromechanical components, reducing material costs and simplifying installation while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar (5) serves multiple functions: it provides locking for multiple drawers simultaneously, acts as a structural support element, and integrates with the self-closing mechanism. The driver (12) also serves dual purposes by actuating both the locking bar and the self-closing mechanism through mechanical connection, reducing the overall component count and installation complexity.
2Ease of operation
If separate functional elements are added for self-closing and damping, then closing functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the self-closing mechanism and damping function into a single integrated assembly. The spring (9) provides both the self-closing force and the damping effect through its mechanical properties. The driver (12) acts as a common actuator for both functions, eliminating the need for separate self-closing and damping components. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining both closing and damping functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring (9) serves multiple functions: it provides the self-closing force by returning to its original position, acts as a damping element to control closing speed, and stores mechanical energy. The driver (12) also performs multiple functions by actuating the locking bar (5) for locking and simultaneously triggering the self-closing mechanism through its mechanical connection to the spring assembly.
3Productivity
If a locking bar for multiple drawers is used, then locking efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bar (5) is segmented into multiple locking elements (15), each capable of independently engaging with corresponding recesses (43) in different drawers. This segmentation allows the single locking bar to lock multiple drawers simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple structure. Each locking element can be actuated independently or in unison, providing efficient multi-drawer locking without requiring a complex mechanism for each individual drawer.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar (5) serves as a universal locking mechanism for multiple drawers of different types (drawers, doors, cabinets). The driver (12) acts as a universal actuator that can trigger the locking mechanism for any number of drawers connected to the locking bar. This multi-functional design improves locking efficiency across multiple furniture components while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and standardized.
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
The system provides a cost-effective, structurally simple solution that integrates multiple functions, optimizes locking forces, and allows for self-closing and damping mechanisms, enabling efficient and safe operation without additional handles or complex installations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (9) which is coupled at one end to the housing (2) and at the other end to the second driver (12) in such a way that the spring (9) acts with a damping effect and a self-closing effect on the pull-out furniture part (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Locking system of a pull-out furniture part (1), comprising a first driver (7) which can be coupled to a first activator (6) and which is slidably mounted in a housing (2, 2', 2", 2"'), the locking system having a a second driver (12) which can be coupled to a second activator (11) and which is slidably mounted in the housing (2, 2', 2", 2"'), the second driver (12) having a locking strip (5) for locking several extendable furniture parts (1) arranged one above the other are operatively connected.