Corner fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner fittings for furniture panels are difficult to handle and assemble, requiring tools and not providing a stable connection efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A corner fitting with a strip-shaped base body featuring a curved, ergonomic design and resilient properties, allowing for easy installation and a firm connection through a lip and pin mechanism that can be pressed in by hand, with a pin that tapers and has axial cuts for easier insertion and anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional corner fittings are used, then connection stability is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases and tool requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corner fitting changes its geometric parameters dynamically during assembly. The curved base body is designed with specific curvature radius and arc angle that enable it to deform elastically under finger pressure, allowing tool-free insertion while maintaining stable connection when installed
Solution Approach 2:
The corner fitting transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamically deformable one during assembly. The elastic material allows the fitting to flex during insertion and then lock into position, providing both ease of assembly and connection stability without requiring tools
2Ease of operation
If corner fitting is made from elastic material with curved design, then ease of assembly improves and tool requirement decreases, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corner fitting is segmented into functional zones: a curved base body for elastic deformation and easy insertion, a lip portion for gripping the first panel, and a pin portion for insertion into the second panel. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated component. The curved base body provides both the elastic deformation capability for easy assembly and the structural framework for the lip and pin portions. The entire assembly acts as one piece that simultaneously enables tool-free installation and stable connection
3Ease of operation
If pin is designed with taper and axial cuts, then insertion ease improves and anchoring strength increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin portion features a tapered geometry with varying diameter along its length, and includes axial cuts that create notches. These parameter changes enable the pin to be compressed during insertion and then expand slightly to anchor in the hole, providing easy installation and strong fixation. The taper angle and cut positions are optimized to balance manufacturing simplicity with functional performance
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
Enables easy, tool-free assembly and provides a stable, tensioned connection between furniture panels, improving handling and anchoring while allowing for easy installation and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
the curved shape has a springy property, which can be used to put tension on the corner fitting when installed, thus achieving a secure connection
Implementation Method 2
The pin is designed, for example, as a hollow pin and/or has an open ring in cross-section. These features, individually or in combination, give the pin a certain elasticity and enable compression, thus facilitating insertion into a recess
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a corner fitting (10) comprising a strip-shaped main body (11) for a clamped joint between two furniture panels (28, 30) arranged substantially perpendicular to one another, wherein a lip (14) projects from the corner fitting in an end region of the main body (11) along at least a portion of the width, and a pin (18) projects in the opposing end region of the main body (11), wherein the lip (14) and the pin (18) project on the same side of the main body (11) in substantially the same direction.