Eccentric Cylinder Panel Locking Device for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly technologies require tools for assembling and disassembling panels, and the locking mechanisms are complex and costly to manufacture, lacking ease of use and tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A set of panels with an eccentric cylinder and lever locking device that allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly, featuring a snail or egg-shaped locking surface with ridges for increased locking strength and tactile feedback, and a single-piece design for reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical locking device with flexible tongue and pin is used, then the panels can be locked together, but the assembly requires tools and is complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into two functional parts: a groove in the first panel and a corresponding protrusion in the second panel. This segmentation allows each panel to contribute to the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex separate locking components and enabling tool-free assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex mechanical components (flexible tongue, pin) and implements it through simple geometric features (groove, protrusion) that can be directly formed on the panels themselves, removing the need for additional locking parts.
2Reliability
If a complex mechanical locking device is used, then the panels can be securely locked, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features (groove and protrusion) are merged directly into the panel structures themselves, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This integration reduces the number of parts to manufacture and assemble, lowering production costs while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove and protrusion features serve multiple functions: they provide the locking mechanism, guide panel alignment during assembly, and distribute mechanical loads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment and locking components, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional locking devices are used, then panels can be locked, but disassembly requires tools and is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active locking components that require manipulation to release, the invention uses a passive interference fit where the protrusion fits into the groove. Disassembly is achieved by simply reversing the assembly action, eliminating the need for tools or complex release mechanisms.
4Reliability
If multiple separate locking components are used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device is costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged directly into the panel structures through groove and protrusion features, eliminating the need for multiple separate locking components. This reduces the bill of materials and simplifies manufacturing processes while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
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
Facilitates easy and secure assembly and disassembly of panels without tools, providing enhanced locking strength and cost-effective manufacturing, while offering tactile feedback during the locking process.
Implementation Method 1
The cylinder is configured to act as a cam when the cylinder is turned about an axis in the hole
Implementation Method 2
The cylinder is an eccentric cylinder comprising a top and bottom base and a locking surface connecting the top and bottom base
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a locking device and a set of panels, including a panel and an adjacent panel, wherein the panel includes a groove and at least one hole connected to the groove via an opening, the adjacent panel includes a first edge that is configured to be arranged in the groove of the panel, and the panel includes a locking device configured to lock the first edge of the adjacent panel in the groove of the panel, wherein the locking device includes a cylinder and a lever connected to the cylinder, the cylinder is configured to be arranged in the hole in the panel, the cylinder is an eccentric cylinder including a top and bottom base and a locking surface connecting the top and bottom base, the cylinder is configured to act as a cam when the cylinder is turned about an axis in the hole.