Two-Stage Locking System for Desk Cable Duct Safety and Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for desks with sliding table tops do not adequately enhance security while maintaining operability, particularly in the context of cable management, where the cable duct's visibility and safety are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage locking system with a locking body that moves linearly through distinct positions, utilizing a Bowden cable for easy actuation, and incorporating rotatably mounted parts and restoring springs to ensure secure locking and easy operation, ensuring the cable duct is fully or partially covered depending on the locking state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking device is used, then the structure is simple, but the security and operating safety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into distinct functional segments: a locking body with multiple positions, a locking device with rotatably mounted parts, and a pulling device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving enhanced security through a two-stage locking process while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable.
2Ease of operation
If the locking body moves freely for adjustment, then the operability is good, but the security during adjustment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move freely between the first and second positions during adjustment operations. The rotatably mounted parts can rotate between locked and unlocked states, enabling the system to transition between secure and adjustable modes as needed, thus providing both security and operability at different stages.
3Reliability
If the cable duct is fully covered for safety, then the security is improved, but the accessibility for cable management is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the locking body to be moved to the second position as a preliminary action, which partially covers the cable duct and provides secure positioning during cable management operations. The full coverage at the first position ensures safety when needed, while the intermediate second position facilitates accessible cable work without requiring complete exposure.
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 enhanced security and safety by ensuring the cable duct is fully covered in the locked position, preventing accidental exposure and facilitating easy operation, while allowing for partial exposure during adjustment without compromising the desk's usability.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device has restoring springs which bring about a return of the rotatably mounted parts to the locking state
Implementation Method 2
The locking device can be moved from the locking state to the non-locking state by means of a pulling device that can be actuated by hand movement, preferably in the form of a Bowden cable
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved locking system is characterised inter alia in that a locking element (110) can be brought into its locking position in relation to a locking device (120) in only two steps starting from its release position, such that the locking element (110) first runs onto the locking device (120) and is only able to reach its final locking position once an unlocking device has been actuated.