Composed element comprising one panel-shaped element made of MDF or HDF and one panel-shaped element made of particle board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly methods, particularly for flat-pack furniture, are cumbersome for DIY assembly due to complex connection systems involving numerous accessories, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity, and existing solutions do not provide a simple, aesthetically neutral, and cost-effective way to couple panel-shaped elements.
Innovation Solution
A composed element design featuring panel-shaped elements with profiled parts along their edges that can be coupled via a tongue and groove mechanism with locking elements, where the profiled parts are hidden from view, allowing for easy assembly and minimizing external visibility, using materials like MDF, HDF, or particle board, and incorporating a reinforcing layer for added strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional connection accessories (pins, screws, clamping pins) are used to couple furniture panels, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to the large number of accessories required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connection accessories into a single integrated profiled part that is directly formed on the furniture panel. The profiled part combines coupling, locking, and positioning functions that previously required multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural coupling between panels, incorporates locking mechanisms for secure connection, and includes positioning features for accurate alignment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized accessories, reducing both complexity and manufacturing cost
2Ease of operation
If multiple connection accessories are provided with flat-pack furniture, then the ease of assembly is improved through various coupling options, but the loss of time increases due to the difficulty of keeping track of assembly instructions with numerous accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex multi-accessory connection system and replaces it with a single integrated profiled part that is already attached to the furniture panel. This eliminates the need for users to sort through multiple accessories and follow complex assembly instructions, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of operation through the intuitive snap-fit mechanism
3Strength
If MDF or HDF materials are used for furniture panels, then the strength and quality are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming the profiled part only in the edge region of the furniture panel where connection is needed, rather than requiring the entire panel to be made of expensive MDF or HDF. The profiled part can be manufactured from cost-effective materials or processes, while the main panel uses whatever material is most economical for its primary function, thus reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining connection strength
Data Source
Figure 1~13
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
Composed element, comprising at least two panel-shaped elements (2-3), which consist of a board material and which are connected together at an angle, wherein the panel-shaped elements (2-3) are connected by means of coupling means (6-7) which comprise a tongue (13) and groove (14) substantially made as profiled parts (8-9) in the board material itself, wherein the tongue (13) has a first side (69) and an opposed second side (70), and wherein said coupling means (6-7) further also comprise locking elements (15-16) preventing, in coupled condition (13), the drifting apart of the tongue (13) and groove (14); characterized in that the panel-shaped element (2) with the tongue (13) is made of MDF or HDF, whereas the panel-shaped element (3) with the groove (14) is made of particle board.