Composed element, multi-layered board and panel-shaped element for forming this composed element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly methods, particularly for flat-pack furniture, are cumbersome for DIY assembly due to the complexity of connections and the need for numerous accessories, which increases costs and manufacturing complexity, while also affecting the aesthetic appeal and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A composed element design featuring panel-shaped elements with profiled parts that allow interlocking coupling, where the coupling means are hidden from view, enabling easy assembly and optimizing connection characteristics without affecting the exterior appearance, using materials like laminate strips or ABS for durability and aesthetic integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If furniture panels are connected using classical techniques with dowels and gluing, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of assembly for DIY users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into integrated profiled parts that are pre-formed as part of the panel structure, eliminating the need for separate dowels, screws, or clamping accessories. This segmentation allows the connection function to be built-in rather than added, making assembly simple while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled parts are designed to perform the connection function automatically through their geometric interlocking shape, without requiring external fasteners or additional assembly accessories. The panels themselves provide the connection mechanism through their integrated profiles, enabling DIY assembly without specialized tools or components.
2Reliability
If connection accessories are supplied with furniture in large numbers, then the reliability of assembly is improved, but the device complexity and packaging requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate connection accessories (dowels, screws, clamps, etc.) are merged into a single integrated profiled part structure that is formed as part of the panel itself. This consolidation eliminates the need to supply multiple different accessories, reducing packaging complexity while maintaining reliable connection through the unified geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled parts serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural strength, enable interlocking connection, and eliminate the need for separate fastening accessories. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components required while ensuring reliable assembly through the versatile integrated design.
3Ease of manufacture
If profiled parts are made visible on the exterior, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visible connection elements are extracted from the exterior surface and relocated to the interior or hidden portions of the panel structure. The profiled parts are positioned so that their functional geometry is concealed behind the panel's outer surface, allowing the aesthetic exterior to remain clean and unblemished while the connection function operates effectively inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection function is moved from the two-dimensional exterior surface to the three-dimensional interior volume of the panel. By utilizing the depth and internal space of the panel structure, the profiled parts can perform their interlocking function without being visible on the exterior, separating the functional and aesthetic dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
Composed element including at least two panel-shaped elements, which each have an edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective edge zone, as well as each including an end face extending transversely to the respective edge zone, wherein said profiled parts allow coupling the panel-shaped elements together in an interlocking manner, wherein at least one of the panel-shaped elements includes an arrangement which hides from view at least a portion of the profiled part formed at the pertaining edge zone at the location of the end face.