Piezo-Actuated Slide Latch for Secure No-Power Drawer Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawer locking mechanisms are often large, heavy, require direct user operation, and can be easily bypassed or require continuous power, making them unsuitable for various environments and applications.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism using a piezo electric controller to selectively move a latch lever between locked and unlocked positions, allowing for secure drawer locking without continuous power consumption and enabling integration with control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms are used, then the drawer can be locked securely, but the mechanism becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a piezoelectric actuator that uses electrical energy to deform a ceramic element, thereby moving the latch lever. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components like springs, cam followers, and heavy locking mechanisms, significantly reducing the overall weight while maintaining secure locking capability through the piezoelectric effect.
2Reliability
If electro-mechanical locking systems are used, then the drawer can be locked securely, but the system becomes complex and requires power at all times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electro-mechanical systems with a purely piezoelectric actuation mechanism. The piezoelectric ceramic element directly converts electrical energy to mechanical displacement without requiring motors, gears, or continuous power supply. The system only consumes power during the brief moment when unlocking is needed, eliminating the complexity of continuous power management while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuator operates in periodic pulses rather than continuous operation. A high-voltage pulse is applied briefly to the piezoelectric element to induce rapid expansion or contraction, moving the latch lever from locked to unlocked position. The system then returns to a passive locked state without requiring continuous power, thereby reducing complexity and power requirements.
3Ease of operation
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the drawer can be locked, but they require direct user operation preventing integration with control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electrically actuated piezoelectric system. The latch lever is moved by the piezoelectric ceramic element in response to electrical signals, enabling seamless integration with electronic control systems such as alarm systems, access control systems, or automated drawer management systems. This eliminates the need for direct user manipulation of mechanical components.
4Reliability
If mechanical locking mechanisms are used, then the drawer can be locked securely, but the mechanisms can be easily thwarted by force or picking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vulnerable mechanical locking mechanisms with a piezoelectric actuation system that uses high-voltage electrical pulses to control the latch position. The piezoelectric ceramic element exhibits high stiffness and strength when energized, making it resistant to forcing. Additionally, the absence of traditional mechanical keyways and picking mechanisms eliminates vulnerabilities associated with lock picking, as the system responds only to specific electrical control signals.
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
The mechanism provides secure, low-power operation with high load resistance, maintaining the locked position without power and allowing for integration with control systems, enhancing security and usability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions
Implementation Method 2
A biasing member may bias the first end of the latch lever towards its unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position.