Spring-Loaded Lock Hook Mechanism for Keyless Drawer Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drawer mechanisms for sliding drawers in portable tool boxes, motorcycles, and office desks lack a convenient and reliable locking system, often resulting in accidental sliding and potential cabinet instability when external forces are applied, especially with heavy loads.

Innovation Solution

A drawer stop mechanism comprising an upper decoration strip, a lower decoration strip, at least one spring, and a lock hook, where the spring connects the strips and allows the lock hook to rotate for locking and unlocking the drawer, featuring a simple structure with protection covers to prevent accidental movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical locking mechanism is assembled on the drawer, then the drawer can be locked without keys, but the structure becomes complex and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekeyless lockingVSAvoidmechanical locking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into independent functional components: an operating member (lever) for user operation, a lock hook for engagement, and a spring for automatic resetting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for complex interconnected mechanisms while achieving reliable keyless locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism employs dynamic elements including a movable operating member that can be actuated by the user, and a spring that dynamically adjusts to provide automatic resetting of the lock hook. This dynamic design enables the drawer to be locked and unlocked through simple lever movement, with the spring automatically returning the lock hook to its initial position after engagement or disengagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a key-based locking mechanism is used, then the drawer can be secured, but it becomes inconvenient to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer securityVSAvoidlocking convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating member is designed to be directly accessible and operable by the user without requiring external keys or tools. The lever can be manually actuated to engage or disengage the lock hook, and the spring automatically performs the resetting function that would otherwise require manual intervention. This self-service design eliminates the inconvenience of key-based systems while maintaining secure locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If no locking mechanism is provided, then the drawer is easy to open and close, but the drawer may slide out accidentally when external force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer accessibilityVSAvoiddrawer stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock hook is pre-positioned to engage with the drawer frame automatically when the drawer is closed, preventing accidental opening before the user intends to open it. The operating member is also pre-positioned in a default locked state, requiring deliberate user action to disengage. This preliminary locking action ensures drawer stability during normal use while maintaining ease of opening when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock hook acts as an intermediary element between the drawer and the fixed frame, providing a mechanical connection that prevents accidental sliding. When engaged, the lock hook transfers and distributes external forces, preventing them from directly causing the drawer to slide out. This intermediary mechanism maintains both drawer stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows easy opening and closing of the drawer while providing a secure locking system that prevents accidental sliding, enhancing user safety and convenience by using a spring-mounted lock hook system that engages and disengages with limiting blocks.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring mounted between the upper decoration strip and the lower decoration strip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9717335B2Drawer stop mechanism for sliding drawer
Publication Date: 2017.08.01 JIANGSU TONGRUN EQUIP TECH CO LTD
  • US9717335B2 patent drawing
  • US9717335B2 patent drawing
  • US9717335B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a drawer stop mechanism for a sliding drawer, and the drawer stop mechanism is assembled on a drawer panel of the sliding drawer. The drawer stop mechanism includes an upper decoration strip, a lower decoration strip, at least one spring and at least one lock hook. The upper decoration strip is fixed on the drawer panel. The lower decoration strip is movably connected with the upper decoration strip by a pivot. The at least one spring is mounted between the upper decoration strip and the lower decoration strip. The at least one lock hook is fixed at the lower decoration strip. The drawer stop mechanism provided by the present invention has a simple structure, is easy to use and can lock the drawer perfectly.