Multiple Locking Device with Coupled Release for High-Panel Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for furniture require separate triggering for each catch device, making it cumbersome to release and re-tension multiple locking devices simultaneously, especially in compact designs with high panels.
Innovation Solution
A compact multiple locking device with two energy storage devices, where the second device's trigger is prevented from opening by a trigger preventer, allowing both devices to be released together, featuring a spiral spring arrangement and a spring core for enhanced prestressing, and a release lever with a torque transmission contour for tool application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking devices are used for high panels, then the firm fit and security are improved, but the operation complexity increases due to separate triggering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking devices (first and second locking devices) into a single integrated unit with common actuation. The base body integrates multiple catch levers and energy storage devices, allowing simultaneous triggering of all locking mechanisms through a single release lever, thereby reducing operation complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever serves multiple functions: it acts as a common actuator for both locking devices, provides torque transmission for tool application, and coordinates the simultaneous release of multiple catch levers. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the user interface.
2Reliability
If multiple locking devices are used for high panels, then the security is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the second catch lever is positioned within or alongside the first locking device assembly. The base body integrates multiple functional elements (catch levers, energy storage devices, trigger preventers) in a compact arrangement, allowing multiple locking mechanisms to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces rather than requiring separate volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking devices are arranged in a vertical stacking configuration along the height of the panel, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate multiple locking mechanisms. The superimposed arrangement allows the first and second locking devices to be positioned at different heights, maximizing space utilization while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate triggering is required for each locking device, then the locking precision is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger preventer mechanism performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the second catch lever in a blocked state during the locking process. This ensures that the second locking device is ready to engage simultaneously with the first device when the release lever is actuated, eliminating the need for sequential triggering while maintaining precise locking control.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever dynamically coordinates the simultaneous actuation of both locking devices through mechanical coupling. When the release lever is moved, it transfers motion through the base body to both catch levers simultaneously, ensuring that both locking mechanisms engage or disengage at the same time, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining synchronization precision.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used, then the space utilization is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever acts as an intermediary tool that provides extended leverage and mechanical advantage for actuating the locking devices. By using a tool with a torque transmission contour, the user can apply sufficient force to overcome the spring pressure and engage or disengage the compact locking mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the compact design constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever features a torque transmission contour with curved or rounded surfaces designed for tool application. This curved geometry allows for optimal force distribution and ergonomic handling, enabling users to effectively operate the compact locking device with standard tools while maintaining precise control during engagement and disengagement.
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 simultaneous release and re-tensioning of multiple locking devices, ensuring secure engagement only when the connecting fitting reaches the catch position, providing a compact and reliable locking mechanism suitable for high panels.
Implementation Method 1
the energy accumulator can be designed as a spiral spring arrangement, since such a spiral spring arrangement provides the necessary spring force for actuation particularly well
Implementation Method 2
it is also advantageous if the spiral spring arrangement has a spring amplifier
Implementation Method 3
the spiral spring arrangement has a V-shaped or U-shaped spiral spring with two arcuate longitudinal limbs which are designed in one piece or each individually
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a multiple locking device with at least a first and a second locking device (14a, 14b) for a locking fitting for a frame, which are each designed to interact with a multiple connecting fitting (15a, b) for a panel, with the following features : a) a one-piece or multi-piece base body, b) at least three main functional elements, which can move at least to a limited extent, are provided on the first locking device (14a, 14b): i) a release lever (24a), ii) a catch lever (25a), and iii) an energy accumulator (26a), c) at least three main functional elements, which can move at least to a limited extent, are provided on the second locking device (14a, 14b): i) a release preventer (24b) which is subjected to force by an energy storage device, ii) a catch lever (25b) , and iii) an energy accumulator (26b), and d) a coupling lever (60) for coupling the first locking device to the second locking device (14a, b).