Furniture Slide Assembly With Vibration Locking for Earthquake Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Furniture parts tend to open or close unintentionally during earthquakes due to vibrations, posing safety risks, and existing solutions like seismic lock devices are inadequate in preventing such unintended movement.

Innovation Solution

A furniture part assembly featuring a vibration detection device with a detecting member and a linking member that responds to applied forces to prevent movement between furniture parts, utilizing a combination of slide rail components, auxiliary members, and contact features to lock the parts in place during vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a seismic lock device is used to prevent furniture parts from moving during earthquakes, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration detection device is divided into separate functional components: a detecting member that senses vibrations, a linking member that transmits the detection signal, and a locking mechanism that prevents movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device relatively simple and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The linking member acts as an intermediary between the detecting member and the locking mechanism. When vibrations are detected, the linking member transmits this information to activate the locking mechanism, which then prevents the furniture part from moving. This intermediary approach simplifies the control system while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a vibration detection device with detecting member and linking member is implemented, then unintended movement during vibrations is prevented, but the structural complexity of the furniture assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintended movementVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration detection device is integrated with the existing furniture structure by combining it with slide rail components and auxiliary members that are already part of the furniture assembly. The detecting member and linking member are positioned to work with these existing components, merging the safety function into the overall structure rather than adding completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary members and slide rail components serve multiple functions: they facilitate normal movement of the furniture part during regular use, and they work together with the vibration detection device to prevent unintended movement during earthquakes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If auxiliary members and slide rail components are added to work with the vibration detection device, then locking effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically respond to vibrations detected by the vibration detection device. During normal use, these members allow free movement; during vibrations, they move to engage with the locking mechanism. This dynamic design improves locking effectiveness while using simple mechanical movements that are easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3262981B1Furniture part assembly with vibration sensing device
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3262981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3262981B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3262981B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A furniture part assembly (20) includes a first furniture part (22), a second furniture part (24), and a vibration detection device (32). The second furniture part (24) is movable with respect to the first furniture part (22). The vibration detection device (32) is arranged on one of the first furniture part (22) and the second furniture part (24) and includes a linking member (44). When a force (F) is applied to the vibration detection device (32), the linking member (44) is brought from a first state (S1) to a second state (S2) to prevent the second furniture part (24) from moving with respect to the first furniture part (22) in a certain direction (D1).