Angular Metal Locking Device for Weld-Free Furniture Panel Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal panels for furniture, particularly those with angular edges, face issues of structural rigidity, aesthetic concerns due to visible welds, and imprecise connections, leading to unattractive discontinuities and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
An angular metal locking device with a prismatic hollow member and a thin ceramic film, featuring a triangular cross-section and U-shaped channels for precise edge continuity, along with a flat closure element for reliable and aesthetically pleasing fixation, ensuring high tribological and chemical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal panels are constructed from plate metal using conventional techniques, then structural resistance is improved, but production cost increases and edge cracks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The metal panel is divided into a flat portion and an angular portion that are separately formed and then assembled together using the locking device. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for expensive complex incisions and dies while preventing edge cracks by separating the forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular locking device acts as an intermediary component that connects the flat panel portion and angular portion. This mediator enables precise connection without welding or complex deformation, reducing production costs while maintaining structural integrity and eliminating edge cracks.
2Strength
If metal panels are constructed from plate metal using conventional techniques, then structural resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the panel into separately formable flat and angular portions, the manufacturing process is simplified. Each portion can be produced using standard forming techniques without requiring complex multi-step processes or specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming the complete panel in one complex operation, the invention inverts the approach by creating separate components and assembling them. This reversal of the manufacturing sequence simplifies each individual step while achieving the same structural result.
3Shape
If sheet metal is bent to define edges, then edge continuity is improved, but welding is required which increases cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The angular locking device serves as an intermediary that achieves edge continuity without welding. The prismatic hollow members with triangular cross-sections provide precise geometric alignment and continuous surfaces, eliminating the need for time-consuming welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical locking system using interlocking prismatic members. This substitution maintains edge continuity while dramatically reducing production time and eliminating weld-related aesthetic issues.
4Productivity
If blocks are connected to panel edges to replace welding, then production time is reduced, but connection precision deteriorates causing surface discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The angular locking device employs prismatic hollow members with specific triangular cross-sections that are precisely tailored to match the panel geometry. This localized precision in the connection geometry ensures perfect surface continuity while maintaining fast production speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connection elements to triangular prismatic shapes with specific cross-sections. These parameter optimizations enable precise surface matching and continuity, eliminating the surface discontinuities that plague simpler block connections while keeping production efficient.
5Strength
If welding is used for angular zones, then structural strength is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible welds
Solution Approach 1:
The angular locking device with its precisely formed prismatic members acts as an intermediary that provides both structural strength and aesthetic quality. The clean geometric lines and continuous surfaces of the locking device eliminate visible welds while maintaining the structural integrity of the angular zones.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
Panel for metal furniture items and angular metal locking device associated therewith, comprising a first metal element which is provided with a prismatic hollow member with a substantially triangular cross-section and which comprises a seat and which is formed to be supported at corresponding portions of an internal surface of an edge of the panel near an angular zone thereof, a second metal element which is formed in order to be able to be placed in contact with the first element and which comprises a prismatic member which comprises two channels which are formed to receive corresponding portions of U-like free ends of the edge, a third metal closure element which has a flat member which is capable of being inserted in the channel which is defined in the angular area of the edge and in the angular opening of the first element, at least the third element being covered with a thin ceramic film having a thickness which is between 1 and 200 micrometres.