Interlock kit and related furniture assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly systems with interlock functions struggle to accommodate assembly errors, leading to potential operational failures when drawers are opened simultaneously, which can cause the cabinet body to fall.
Innovation Solution
An interlock kit is designed with a first and second fitting member, an auxiliary device, and an interlock mechanism, featuring a predetermined gap that allows for assembly tolerance, ensuring the interlock mechanism remains in a locking state even with assembly errors, by utilizing an auxiliary member that moves to retain the locking mechanism during drawer movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional interlock mechanism is used without tolerance, then the interlock function is precise, but assembly errors cause operational failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a predetermined gap between the first and second fitting members, changing the dimensional parameter from tight fit to gap-based fit. This gap accommodates assembly errors while maintaining the interlock function, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary device acts as an intermediary between the first and second fitting members. It includes an auxiliary member that moves from a first auxiliary position to a second auxiliary position to retain the interlock mechanism in a locking state, ensuring proper engagement despite assembly variations
2Ease of operation
If multiple drawers are allowed to open simultaneously, then drawer accessibility is improved, but cabinet stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism performs preliminary anti-action by automatically locking other drawers when one drawer is opened. The auxiliary member moves to retain the interlock mechanism in a locking state, preventing simultaneous opening before it can occur, thus maintaining cabinet stability while allowing sequential drawer access
Data Source
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AI summary
An interlock kit(32a) adapted for a cabinet body(20) and a drawer(22a) is provided and includes a first fitting member(34), a second fitting member(36) and an interlock mechanism(40). The first fitting member(34) is detachably mounted on the cabinet body(20) and has a first predetermined dimension. The second fitting member(36) is detachably mounted on the drawer(22a) and has a second predetermined dimension. A predetermined gap(G) is defined by a difference between the first predetermined dimension and the second predetermined dimension. The interlock mechanism(40) is arranged on the first fitting member(34). The second fitting member(36) can always be moved by the drawer(22a) to cause the interlock mechanism(40) to be operated normally as along as the second fitting member(36) is mounted at a position within a mounting range defined by the predetermined gap(G) and a position of the first fitting member(34). Besides, a related furniture assembly is also provided.