Flexible Panel Locking Pin for Tool-Free Furniture Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly technologies require tools for assembly and disassembly, and the locking mechanisms are complex and costly to manufacture, lacking ease of use and increased locking strength.
Innovation Solution
A set of panels with a single-piece locking device featuring a flexible element and locking pin that moves between a locking and mounting position, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, and is easy to manufacture, comprising a cylinder with a flexible lever and locking projections for enhanced locking strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mechanical locking device with multiple components is used, then the locking strength is increased, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking pin, flexible element, and cylinder into a single integrated locking device component. This merging of previously separate parts into one piece reduces device complexity while maintaining the locking function through the coordinated interaction of the integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is segmented into functional zones within a single piece: the locking pin for engagement, the flexible element for movement control, and the cylinder for housing. This segmentation of functions within a unified structure achieves both simplicity and effectiveness.
2Strength
If a complex locking mechanism is used, then the locking strength is increased, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into a single locking device, the patent enables one-step manufacturing processes such as injection molding or CNC machining, eliminating the need for assembly of multiple parts and significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining locking strength.
3Strength
If a multi-component locking device is used, then the locking strength is increased, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element automatically returns the locking pin to the locked position after insertion, eliminating the need for manual manipulation or additional components to maintain the locked state. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is pre-configured in the locking device to automatically engage with the groove upon insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking action occurs automatically during the insertion process, reducing the operational steps required by the user.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece locking device is used, then the ease of manufacture is increased, but the locking strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device can be manufactured using composite materials or reinforced polymers that provide both the structural integrity needed for strong locking and the flexibility required for the flexible element's movement, achieving both strength and manufacturing simplicity in a single piece.
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 assembly and disassembly of panels without tools, while providing strong locking and reducing manufacturing costs due to a simplified design, enhancing the ease of use and locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible element is configured to, when flexed in a first direction, move the locking pin from a locking position to a mounting position and to, when flexed back, move the locking pin from the mounting position to the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method, a locking device and a set of panels (1), preferably for a furniture product, including a panel (2) and an adjacent panel (3), wherein the panel (2) includes a groove (21) and at least a first hole (22) connected to the groove (21) via an opening (23), the adjacent panel (3) includes a first edge (31) that is configured to be arranged in the groove (21) of the panel (2) and a second hole (32) that is configured to be arranged at the opening (23) when the first edge (31) is arranged in the groove (21), and the panel (2) includes a locking device (4) configured to lock the first edge (31) of the adjacent panel (3) in the groove (21) of the panel (2), wherein the locking device (4) is configured to be arranged in the first hole (22) of the panel (2), the locking device (4) includes a locking pin (41) and a flexible element (42), the flexible element (42) is configured to, when flexed in a first direction (A), move the locking pin (41) from a locking position to a mounting position and to, when flexed back, move the locking pin (41) from the mounting position to the locking position, at least a part (41a) of the locking pin (41) is configured to, in the locking position, extend into the groove (21) through the opening (23) of the panel (2) and to be at least partly arranged in the second hole (32) of the adjacent panel (3) when it is arranged in the groove (21) and the locking pin (41) is configured to, when moved to the mounting position, be moved in the first direction (A) away from the groove (21), such that the first edge (31) of the adjacent panel (3) is free to be arranged in the groove (21) of the panel (2).