Dovetail Panel Connector for Thin Board Interlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tongue and groove interlock systems, particularly for particle board and thin panels, face issues with chipping during routing and inadequate structural support, compromising the integrity and load-bearing capacity.

Innovation Solution

A connector with an elongate dovetail body and protrusions, featuring a trapezoidal cross-section and teeth, is used to securely attach to panels, providing structural integrity and reliable interlocking without routing, suitable for particle board and thin panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If routing is used to form the tongue, then the connection method is cost-effective and simple, but the particle board is prone to chipping and the tongue lacks structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtongue integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into a dovetail body and separate protrusions that are inserted into holes in the panel. This segmentation allows the protrusions to be pre-formed with integral teeth for secure engagement, while the dovetail body provides the interlocking structure, eliminating the need for routing that causes chipping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector acts as an intermediary component between two panels, replacing the direct tongue-groove routing process. The protrusions with teeth engage with holes in the first panel, while the dovetail body engages with the groove in the second panel, providing a reliable connection without routing the panels themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If routing is used to form the tongue, then the process is simple, but the tongue cannot provide sufficient structural support for thin panels (9 mm or below)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidload-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the connection function into protrusions (for panel engagement) and a dovetail body (for groove interlocking), the design provides sufficient structural support for thin panels without requiring thick material to form a routed tongue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector combines a dovetail body with multiple protrusions featuring teeth, creating a composite structure that distributes loads effectively. This composite design provides the necessary strength for thin panels while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through injection molding or similar processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a laminate is added to the tongue surface, then chipping is reduced, but the solution does not fully resolve the issue and does not address thin panel limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechipping resistanceVSAvoidsolution completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a laminate to an existing tongue, the design segments the connection into protrusions with integral teeth that engage with holes, eliminating the vulnerable tongue surface entirely. This从根本上 prevents chipping rather than just mitigating it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector serves as an intermediary that completely replaces the traditional tongue-groove system. The protrusions with teeth provide secure engagement with the first panel, while the dovetail body interfaces with the groove in the second panel, addressing both chipping resistance and thin panel compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If protrusions with teeth are used to engage holes, then firm engagement and prevention of retraction are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement firmnessVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions feature asymmetric teeth that are configured to engage firmly with the inner surface of the holes in one direction while preventing retraction. This asymmetric design provides reliable engagement without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The teeth are integrated directly into the protrusions, merging the engagement function with the structural element. This combination eliminates the need for separate fastening components, providing firm engagement while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through a single molded or fabricated connector piece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260071642A1connector

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 ONG SENG ANN

AI summary

The invention discloses a connector (1) for connecting furniture panels (10, 20), the connector (1) comprises an elongate dovetail body (100); and a plurality of protrusions (200), each longitudinally spaced along and extending outwardly from the elongate dovetail body (100); wherein the protrusions (200) are configured to engageably insert to corresponding holes (11) of a first panel (10) for attaching the elongate dovetail body (100) to the first panel (10), and the attached elongate dovetail body (100) is configured for slidable insertion into a groove (21) of a second panel (20), whereby the groove (21) having a complimentary profile that interlocks with the elongate dovetail body (100) upon insertion, thereby connecting the first and second panels (10, 20).