Flexible Tongue Locking Device for Perpendicular Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional furniture assembly methods lack sufficient strength and stability, particularly in products with perpendicular elements, and do not facilitate easy disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flexible tongue locking device in an insertion groove, combined with edge section grooves and dismantling grooves, allows for the secure connection and easy disconnection of furniture elements, enhancing stability and enabling efficient assembly and disassembly by providing a mechanism for locking and unlocking with a dismantling tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional mechanical locking systems are used to connect perpendicular panels, then the furniture product can be assembled, but the strength and stability of the assembled product is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates a flexible tongue that can dynamically adapt during assembly. The tongue is pre-bent and flexes as panels are inserted, allowing the locking mechanism to accommodate slight misalignments and variations in panel dimensions, thereby achieving stronger and more stable connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the tongue from rigid to flexible by pre-bending it and allowing it to flex during assembly. This parameter change enables the tongue to deform elastically, creating a more robust locking mechanism that enhances both strength and stability of the assembled product
2Productivity
If conventional mechanical locking systems are used, then panels can be connected, but the assembly and disassembly process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a flexible tongue for locking, an edge section groove for guiding, and a dismantling groove for tool insertion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall assembly and disassembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating during assembly. When panels are inserted, the flexible tongue automatically flexes and locks into place without requiring additional tools or complex operations. For disassembly, a simple tool inserted into the dismantling groove releases the tongue, enabling quick and easy separation of panels
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
This solution increases the strength and stability of assembled furniture products while simplifying the assembly and disassembly process, ensuring secure locking and easy unlocking, thus addressing the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tongue arranged in an insertion groove at one of the at least three elements, said flexible tongue cooperates with a tongue groove, at an adjacent one of the at least three elements, for locking the one element and the adjacent element together
Data Source
AI summary
An assembled product includes at least three elements arranged in three different planes. A first element is connected perpendicular to a second element, and a third element is connected perpendicular to the second element. The assembled product includes one or more locking devices, each comprising a flexible tongue arranged in an insertion groove one of the at least three elements. The flexible tongue cooperates with a tongue groove, at an adjacent one of the at least three elements, for locking the one element and the adjacent element together. A second edge of the second element is connected to a second edge of the third element by a first of said locking devices.