Heart-Shaped Locking Device for Selective Furniture Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for furniture ejection mechanisms automatically lock in any closed position, limiting functionality and comfort, and require separate guide rails that restrict movement angles, leading to reduced service life and inefficient force transmission.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a heart-shaped locking contour and a movable locking element that allows selective locking based on pressure, featuring a push-through recess and deflection contour to transition between locked and unlocked states, and an ejection device with dual levers and energy accumulators for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device always locks when the ejection device is in the closed position, then the locking function is simple and reliable, but the adaptability is reduced because locking cannot be selective based on position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static always-locking mechanism to a dynamic selective-locking mechanism. The locking element can move between locked, unlocked, and overpressure positions based on the degree of closure, allowing the system to adapt its locking behavior to different operational states and positions of the ejection device
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in closure parameter (degree of closure) to trigger different locking states. When the ejection device closes beyond a certain threshold, the locking element is forced into the overpressure position, automatically changing the locking parameter from engaged to disengaged based on the physical parameter of closure distance
2Device complexity
If a single lever with central compression spring is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to jerky force transmission and limited movement angles
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection device is segmented into multiple levers (first lever and second lever) that can pivot independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each lever to handle specific portions of the movement range, enabling smooth transitions through different angles without the jerky behavior caused by a single centralized spring mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple levers are designed to pivot dynamically at different angles, with the locking device allowing free movement when levers enclose small angles and providing locked support when levers enclose larger angles. This dynamic configuration enables smooth, controlled movement throughout the entire operating range
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking mechanism locks at small opening angles, then the stability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates because the ejection device cannot spread the movable furniture part from folded position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking parameter changes based on the angle parameter of the levers. When levers enclose small angles, the locking element remains disengaged, allowing free movement and ejection functionality. When levers enclose larger angles, the locking element engages to provide stable locking, thus adapting the locking state to the operational requirements at different angles
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 selective locking dependent on the furniture's position, allowing smooth transitions between closed and open states, enhancing user comfort and extending the service life of components while facilitating harmonious force distribution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energy accumulator which acts between the at least two components
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring arranged centrally on a base in order to spread the movable furniture part
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3h
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (1) for releasably locking two furniture parts (2) that can move relative to one another against the force of a force accumulator (3), comprising a heart-shaped locking contour (4) with a heart-shaped depression (5) and at least one locking element (6) which is more particularly bolt-shaped, and can move relative to the heart-shaped locking contour (4) and, in a locking position (V), can be arranged in the heart-shaped depression (5) of the heart-shaped locking contour (4), wherein the at least one locking element (6) can be moved, by a motion out of the locking position (V) into a further pushed position (U), out of the heart-shaped depression (5) into a release position (F), wherein the locking device (1) has a push-through depression (7) separate from the heart-shaped depression (5), in which the at least one locking element (6) can be arranged and at least one blocking contour (8) which blocks movement of the at least one locking element (6) out of the push-through depression (7) into the heart-shaped depression (5).