Motorized Drawer Slide Locking Mechanism for Controlled Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drawer slides do not provide adequate security for contents that require controlled access, as they offer easy access which may not be suitable for personal or valuable items, and secure storage solutions like safes are often bulky and not suitable for cabinet integration.
Innovation Solution
A drawer slide with a built-in lock mechanism that includes a latch receiver and lever arm, operated by a motor, which can be activated to lock and unlock the drawer, providing controlled access while maintaining the slim profile necessary for cabinet integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drawer slide provides easy access to contents, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drawer slide mechanism with a locking mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The lock mechanism includes a latch arm, latch receiver, and motor that work together with the slide components to provide both easy access and security. This merging resolves the contradiction by allowing the drawer to be easily pulled out while maintaining security through the integrated lock that can be engaged or disengaged as needed.
2Reliability
If a safe or lock box is used for secure storage, then security is improved, but device complexity and bulk are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism directly into the drawer slide assembly, eliminating the need for separate safes or lock boxes. The lock mechanism comprises compact components including a latch arm, latch receiver, and motor that integrate with the existing slide structure, providing security without adding significant bulk or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer slide assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the basic sliding mechanism for drawer extension, incorporates a locking mechanism for security, and includes motorized actuation for automated lock engagement. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating what would traditionally require separate devices into a single integrated unit.
3Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to the drawer slide, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is merged with the drawer slide assembly, sharing common components and mounting structures. The latch arm and latch receiver are positioned to work with the existing slide geometry, and the motor is integrated into the assembly, reducing the overall complexity increase that would result from adding a separate locking system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drawer slide with lock mechanism has an elongated outer slide member extendably coupled to an inner slide member. A latch arm or pin is fixed to the inner slide member for latching by a lock mechanism fixed to the outer slide member. The lock mechanism uses a latch receiver that rotates with respect to the lock mechanism and is in a travel path of the latch arm. A lever arm rotates with respect to the lock mechanism and is positionable to block rotation of the latch receiver in a locked position to retain the latch arm. A motor drives a cam to position the lever arm to free the latch receiver from the locked position.