Portable Drawer Lock with Motorized Latch and Thumb Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for retrofitting onto drawers or doors often require tools and complex assembly steps, which can damage the surfaces and are not easily portable.
Innovation Solution
A portable lock system that includes a bracket with a latch and actuator, secured by a thumb screw, allowing for tool-free installation and operation via a control device, enabling secure locking and easy repositioning without damaging surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locks are installed on drawers or doors, then the drawer or door can be secured, but the installation process requires tools and complex assembly steps that may damage the cabinet surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into separate modular components: a bracket assembly, a latch mechanism, and a thumb screw fastening system. This segmentation allows the lock to be installed as a complete unit without requiring disassembly or complex assembly steps, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system incorporates a thumb screw mechanism that allows users to install and remove the lock without requiring external tools. The thumb screw provides tool-free fastening while maintaining secure attachment, enabling users to independently install the lock in simple steps without damaging the cabinet surface.
2Reliability
If traditional locks are installed on drawers or doors, then the drawer or door can be secured, but the installation process requires tools and complex assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket, latch mechanism, and fastening system are merged into a single integrated lock assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components and complex assembly steps, allowing the lock to be installed as one unit while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system is divided into separate modular components: a bracket assembly, a latch mechanism, and a thumb screw fastening system. This segmentation allows the lock to be installed as a complete unit without requiring disassembly or complex assembly steps, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure locking functionality.
3Reliability
If traditional locks are installed on drawers or doors, then the drawer or door can be secured, but the installation process may damage the cabinet surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system uses a bracket that attaches to the drawer front panel through a non-damaging mechanism. The bracket serves as an intermediary that distributes the locking force without concentrating stress on the cabinet surface, preventing damage while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system incorporates a thumb screw mechanism that allows users to install and remove the lock without requiring external tools. The thumb screw provides tool-free fastening while maintaining secure attachment, enabling users to independently install the lock in simple steps without damaging the cabinet surface.
4Reliability
If traditional locks are installed on drawers or doors, then the drawer or door can be secured, but the lock cannot be easily repositioned or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system incorporates a reversible installation mechanism where the bracket can be easily attached and detached from the drawer front panel. The thumb screw allows the lock to be dynamically repositioned or removed without damage, providing flexibility while maintaining secure locking when installed.
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 system provides a secure, tool-free, and damage-free locking solution for drawers and doors, suitable for various configurations and easy reinstallation, addressing the need for a versatile and user-friendly retrofit lock.
Implementation Method 1
secured by a thumb screw
Implementation Method 2
thumb screw disposed in the opening engages the vertically disposed flat back plate when tightened
Implementation Method 3
The actuator may also be provided in the form of an electromechanical solenoid having an armature. The latch is engaged by the armature so that activation of the solenoid causes displacement of said latch from its retracted position to its extended position or from its extended position to its retracted position.
Implementation Method 4
The actuator may be provided in the form of a motor having an output shaft. The latch is engaged by the output shaft so that activation of the motor causes displacement of the latch from its retracted position to its extended position or from its extended position to its refracted position.
Implementation Method 5
The latch substantially abuts the interior surface of the front face of the cabinet when the latch is in its extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A lock for retrofitting onto a drawer or a door includes a drawer having a front panel. The drawer slidingly engages an item of furniture having a front face that is positioned above the front panel when the drawer is closed. A bracket has a vertically disposed flat front plate, a horizontally disposed flat top plate, a vertically disposed fiat back plate, and a horizontally disposed motor platform that extends horizontally into an interior of the drawer. A motor having an output shaft is mounted on the motor platform. A latch supported by the motor platform is engaged by the output shaft. The latch is retracted when the drawer is unlocked and is extended to engage an interior side of the front panel of the furniture item when the drawer is locked.