Bayonet Panel Joint for Stable Assembly in Narrow Furniture Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joining systems for furniture panels, particularly between a shoulder and a shelf, face difficulties in narrow spaces, leading to complex and expensive constructions with challenging assembly and limited accessibility, making it hard to mount furniture in recesses with minimal width clearance.

Innovation Solution

A bayonet coupling mechanism with a pin divided into two sections, one on each panel, allows for minimal distance and easy assembly, using a grub screw and barrel system for stable connection, enabling automatic positioning and blocking with a rotation wrench for secure coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a protruding pin is used in a first panel with receiving elements in a second panel, then the connection between panels is stable, but the distance between panels must be large enough to accommodate the protruding pin, which complicates assembly in narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly in narrow spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pin is divided into two separate sections: a first section with a bayonet coupling mechanism that rotates into a second section. This segmentation allows the connection to be formed through rotational movement rather than requiring a protruding pin to extend across the full panel distance, enabling assembly in narrower spaces while maintaining stable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional joining systems are used in recesses with limited width, then stable connection is achieved, but the construction becomes complex and expensive with difficult accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidjoint construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bayonet coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through rotational engagement. The first section rotates into the second section automatically guiding the connection, and the grub screw with barrel provides automatic positioning and locking. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment tools or multiple adjustment steps, simplifying the overall joint construction while maintaining stable connection in recesses with limited width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3938665B1Joining device for two panels of furniture or other furnishing items
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 LEONARDO
  • EP3938665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3938665B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3938665B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A perfected joining device between two panels of furniture or other furnishing items, one (11) positioned perpendicular to the other (12), wherein a pin or plug extends from a first panel (11 or 12) and is inserted in a complementary seat of a second panel (12 or 11), a stable connection and blocking system (114) of said pin or plug being provided inside said seat, with an edge (B) of a panel (11) firmly abutted against a surface (C) of the other panel (12), characterized in that said pin or plug is divided into two sections (621, 622), a first section provided on the first panel (11 or 12) and a second section provided on the second panel (12 or 11), releasably intercoupled with each other with a translation movement to create a coupling between the parts followed by a 90° rotation movement on a plane (H) parallel to one of said panels (11 or 12) so as to reciprocally engage the two sections (621, 622) of the pin.