Furniture Sliding Door Locking Bolt with Integrated Blocking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door furniture locking systems prevent doors from being lifted out but fail to secure them from being pushed away from walls or other sliding doors, necessitating additional components for functional interaction.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical locking system with a movable locking bolt and a blocking element that can be displaced between a locking and neutral position, using an electric motor to secure the sliding door in place by protruding into a bolt receptacle and blocking displacement, with a drive bolt and spring element for efficient locking and unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking bolt protrudes into a pocket of the sliding door to prevent the door from being pushed away, then the sliding door is secured against lateral movement, but the device complexity increases due to additional components needed for proper interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding door securityVSAvoidlocking system components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is integrated into the locking bolt as a single component rather than separate parts. The locking element is received in a cavity of the locking bolt and moves relative to it, combining multiple functions (locking and anti-prying) into one unified structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bolt serves multiple functions: it prevents the sliding door from being pushed away by protruding into the pocket, and it prevents prying open by housing the locking element that engages with the handle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a locking element is added to prevent the sliding door from being pulled out, then the lifting protection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-lifting protectionVSAvoidlocking system components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is integrated into the locking bolt structure, received in a cavity and moving relative to it. This integration combines the anti-lifting function with the existing locking bolt, avoiding the need for separate anti-lifting components and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is nested within the locking bolt, received in its cavity. This nested arrangement allows the locking element to be housed within the existing locking bolt structure, eliminating the need for additional external components and simplifying the overall device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Effectively prevents sliding doors from being pushed away or pulled out by securing the door in place with the electromechanical locking system, enhancing security and functionality without the need for additional components.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor (9) which can move the locking bolt (7) between a release position and a locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric motor: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

a spring element (6), in particular a compression spring, which can return the locking bolt (7) into the release position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring element: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3216951B1Electromechanical closure system for an item of furniture and item of furniture
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 MARTIN LEHMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3216951B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3216951B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3216951B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An electromechanical locking system for a piece of furniture with at least one sliding door (2) movable on a track, has a locking bolt (7) which can be moved between a release position and a locking position by means of an electric motor (9) in and against a closing direction (x), wherein a locking element (10) is received in a cavity of the locking bolt (7), wherein the locking element (10) is displaceable between a locking position projecting from an opening (16) in a lateral surface (23) of the locking bolt (7) and a neutral position not projecting from this.