Rotatable Locking Assembly for Drawer Suspending Without Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage cabinet systems, such as refrigerators, face challenges in maintaining the suspending state of lifting drawers without relying on expensive motor brakes or continuous power supply, which leads to durability issues and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly that includes a mounting member and a rotatable locking member, capable of switching between locked and unlocked states without a drive member, ensuring the suspending of a to-be-locked member and automatic reset, even when power is off. This assembly features a simple structure, low cost, small space occupation, and wide application range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motor brake or stepper motor/servo motor locking function is used, then the lifting drawer can be suspended, but the system requires continuous power supply causing motor heating and large heat-dissipation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven locking system with a pure mechanical locking mechanism. The locking member uses elastic deformation and mechanical leverage to achieve locking without continuous power supply, eliminating motor heating and heat-dissipation requirements while maintaining suspending capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member automatically locks when the lifting drawer is in the suspended state, and automatically resets when the drawer moves to the lower position. The elastic member provides self-resetting capability without requiring external power or control systems
2Reliability
If motor brake is used for locking, then the lifting drawer can be suspended, but the structure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the motor-driven system and implements it through a separate, simple mechanical locking member. This separates the suspending function from the driving system, eliminating the need for expensive motor brakes and complex drive systems while maintaining reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (locking member, elastic member, mounting member) instead of expensive motor brakes or servo systems. The mechanical components are durable and can be easily replaced if needed
3Device complexity
If locking member is rigidly connected to mounting member, then the structure is simple, but the locking portion and unlocking portion cannot stretch and retract stably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the locking member rotatably connected to the mounting member instead of rigid connection. This dynamic connection allows the locking member to rotate and the locking/unlocking portions to stretch and retract smoothly, improving the stability and reliability of the locking mechanism while maintaining structural simplicity
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 locking assembly effectively maintains the suspending state of the to-be-locked member for a long time without energy consumption, while ensuring automatic reset and stability, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, having an end rotatably connected to the mounting member and another end rotatably connected to the locking member
Implementation Method 2
a locking member, rotatably connected to the mounting member and configured to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the field of household appliances, and in particular to a locking assembly, a drawer assembly and a storage cabinet. The locking assembly includes: a mounting member, a locking member rotatably connected to the mounting member and configured to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state, and the locking member includes a locking portion and an unlocking portion; in the locked state, at least part of the locking portion is located at a motion path of a to-be-locked member and the unlocking portion is located at an avoidance path of the to-be-locked member; and in the unlocked state, the locking portion is located at the avoidance path and at least part of the unlocking portion is located at the motion path.