Flexible Tongue Panel Assembly for Tool-Free Furniture Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly methods require tools and are inefficient, particularly for flat-pack products with mechanical locking systems, which can be cumbersome and require specialized tools for disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A set of panels with flexible tongue locking devices that allow for tool-free assembly and disassembly, featuring an insertion groove and tongue groove system that extends along the edges of panels, enabling hand-driven connection and disconnection without the need for tools, and a method for assembling these panels by linear displacement to form frames and furniture components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical locking system with flexible tongue is used to connect panels, then the structural integrity and stability of the assembled product is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly increases due to requiring specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be operated without external tools by using the panel edges themselves as operating elements. The user can directly manipulate the flexible tongue through the tongue groove using the panel edges, enabling self-service assembly and disassembly while maintaining strong locking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is divided into separate operational elements: the flexible tongue for insertion/removal, the tongue groove for guidance, and the edge section with edge section groove for final locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, enabling tool-free operation while ensuring stable connection
2Reliability
If existing mechanical locking systems are used, then reliable panel connection is achieved, but assembly efficiency decreases due to requiring specialized tools and time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tongue is pre-positioned in the insertion groove and the edge sections are pre-configured with their respective grooves during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that during assembly, the panels can be quickly connected by simply guiding the tongue into the groove and pushing the edge sections into place, without requiring any intermediate tooling or complex procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to assemble and disassemble the furniture themselves without needing specialized tools or professional assistance. The direct manipulation of the flexible tongue through the tongue groove using panel edges allows any user to perform the locking operation, significantly improving assembly efficiency and productivity
3Ease of operation
If tool-free assembly is implemented using flexible tongue and groove system, then ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the flexibility of the tongue material as a key parameter to compensate for minor variations in groove dimensions. The flexible tongue can deform elastically during insertion and maintain reliable contact with the groove walls, allowing the system to tolerate certain manufacturing tolerances while still achieving proper fitting and secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tongue transitions from a static rigid element to a dynamic flexible element that can adapt its shape during assembly. This dynamic characteristic allows the tongue to conform to the groove geometry during insertion and maintain optimal contact pressure, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to rigid interlocking systems
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 efficient, tool-free assembly and disassembly of furniture products, enhancing usability and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity, with the ability to easily connect and disconnect panels without specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tongue arranged in an insertion groove at an edge of a panel, said flexible tongue cooperates with a tongue groove, at an adjacent edge of an adjacent panel, for locking the panel and the adjacent panel together
Data Source
AI summary
An assembled product, such as an assembled product, such as a furniture component or a furniture, such as a drawer, a cupboard, bookshelves, a wardrobe, a kitchen fixture, or a box for storing or transporting including at least three panels arranged in three different planes. Also, a set of panels for an assembled product and a method of assembling the product.