Locking device for releasably locking a withdrawable furniture part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for extendable furniture parts require a significant holding force to unlock and often produce an unpleasant noise, and they lack ergonomic design for easy operation with either hand.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a pivotally supported locking element that can be manually released by a pivoting actuating lever, allowing for synchronized operation of locking and unlocking with either hand, and featuring a force storage member for automatic locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking device with a pivotally supported locking element is used, then the holding force and frictional resistance for releasing the locking can be reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the additional pivotal mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is made dynamically movable through pivotal support, allowing it to transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic capability enables the locking element to be moved manually into a release position, significantly reducing the holding force and frictional resistance required for unlocking compared to static locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base member, a pivotally supported locking element, and a synchronization device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the locking element handling the locking/unlocking action and the synchronization device coordinating multiple locking points, thereby managing complexity through functional decomposition.
2Ease of operation
If a synchronization device is added to coordinate locking elements on opposite sides, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing unlocking with either hand, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization device provides multi-functionality by coordinating locking elements on both sides of the furniture part, enabling the user to operate the locking mechanism from either side with either hand. This universal operation capability is achieved through the synchronization device that transmits and coordinates the pivotal movement of locking elements across opposite sides, allowing the same unlocking action to be performed from multiple positions.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element is made movable about a pivoting axis, then the frictional resistance is reduced for releasing the locking, but the reliability of the locked position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is preliminarily positioned and secured in the locked position through the pivotal mechanism, where it engages with the locking component. The pivotal support allows the locking element to be firmly held in the locked position during normal use, while still enabling easy transition to the unlocked position when manual force is applied to move it about the pivoting axis.
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
Reduces the holding force and frictional resistance required for unlocking, providing a quiet and ergonomic operation that can be performed with either hand, enhancing user convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element being pivotally supported about a pivoting axis on the base member
Implementation Method 2
the locking element for releasably locking the first locking component can be automatically locked by a force of a force storage member
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement includes a drawer pull-out guide and a locking device for releasably locking a furniture part. The drawer pull-out guide includes a carcass rail to be fixed to a furniture carcass and an extension rail, the extension rail being displaceably supported between a fully closed position and a fully open position. The locking device includes a first locking component to be fixed to the furniture carcass, and a second locking component to be fixed to the extendably-supported furniture part. The first locking component and the second locking component can be releasably locked together, and the second locking component includes a base member and a locking element for releasably locking the first locking component. The locking element is pivotally supported on the base member, and the extension rail of the drawer pull-out guide can be releasably locked by the locking device in or immediately before the fully open position.