Spring-Loaded Drawer Latch Assembly for Inadvertent Opening Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drawer movement in containers, such as toolboxes, can inadvertently shift from a closed to an open position during transport or tipping, leading to potential injury or damage from falling items, even when locked, due to user forgetfulness or misplaced keys.
Innovation Solution
A drawer latch assembly with a pivot member, latch plate, spring, and handle that automatically latches the drawer in the closed position, preventing unintended opening by using biasing springs to engage pins within slots, requiring user intervention to disengage for opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key-based lock is used to prevent drawer movement, then drawer security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to key misplacement or forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly automatically engages when the drawer is closed and can be released by simple upward movement of the handle, eliminating the need for keys. The spring mechanism provides automatic latching without user intervention, while the handle design allows intuitive release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the key-based locking mechanism with a spring-loaded mechanical latch system. The spring provides the locking force automatically, and the handle mechanism translates simple user motion into latch engagement/disengagement, substituting complex key operations with simpler mechanical action.
2Ease of operation
If the drawer is left unlocked for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to inadvertent opening during movement or tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly automatically engages when the drawer is closed, providing safety without requiring user action. The spring mechanism self-activates upon drawer closure, ensuring the drawer is secured against inadvertent opening while maintaining easy manual release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch engages automatically as the drawer closes, performing the safety function before any potential harmful event (inadvertent opening) can occur. The spring is pre-loaded to provide immediate latching action upon drawer closure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a latch assembly is added to prevent inadvertent opening, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly combines the spring, handle, and latching components into an integrated unit mounted on the drawer front. This merging of components achieves the safety function while minimizing the number of separate parts and simplifying installation compared to distributed locking mechanisms.
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 latch assembly effectively reduces the likelihood of accidental drawer opening, ensuring items remain secure without the need for constant user attention or key-based locking, thereby preventing injuries and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which is coupled to the second end of the latch plate and to a second surface of said front face; and a handle which is coupled to the pivot member and which is movable from a first position in which the latch plate prevents movement of the drawer to a second position in which the latch plate allows said movement of said drawer and wherein the spring biases the handle in the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A container 10 having a latch assembly 40 which reduces the likelihood that a drawer 16 will undesirably and/or inadvertently move to an open position.