Flexible Tongue Panel Locking With Reduced Groove Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking devices for furniture panels are inefficient due to large insertion grooves, which compromise locking strength and material waste during production.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking system featuring a rod-shaped element with a recess and a flexible tongue that cooperates with an insertion groove and edge groove, allowing for reduced groove sizes and improved locking strength, with the option to attach an edge band for enhanced edge coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional mechanical locking device is used with large insertion grooves, then the locking mechanism can accommodate the rod-shaped element, but the locking strength is reduced and material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a rod-shaped element with a recess for insertion, a flexible tongue for locking engagement, and an edge groove for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling smaller overall groove dimensions while maintaining locking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tongue is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt during the locking process. The tongue can be compressed to allow rod-shaped element insertion, then springs back to engage with the recess, providing automatic locking without requiring large grooves. This dynamic behavior replaces static, oversized groove structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If large insertion grooves are used in the second panel, then the rod-shaped element can be inserted, but the structural integrity and locking strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tongue acts as a thin, elastically deformable element that provides the necessary compliance for insertion while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible component enables the locking mechanism to function with minimal material removal from the panel, preserving the panel's strength.
3Strength
If the insertion groove size is reduced, then the locking strength is increased, but the rod-shaped element insertion becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tongue's elastic properties enable it to dynamically respond to insertion forces. During assembly, the tongue can be temporarily compressed to create clearance for the rod-shaped element, then automatically returns to its original position to engage the recess, providing both easy insertion and strong locking with minimal groove size.
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
The system achieves increased locking strength and reduced material waste while allowing for precise alignment and automatic locking of panels, enhancing the structural integrity of furniture products.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tongue positioned in the edge groove. The rod-shaped element comprises a recess. The rod-shaped element is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove, and the flexible tongue is configured to cooperate with the recess for a locking of the first panel to the second panel
Data Source
AI summary
A set including a first panel, a second panel and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel to the second panel. The first panel includes a first edge surface and a first panel surface, and the second panel includes a second edge surface and a second panel surface. The first edge surface is facing the second panel surface in a locked position of the first and the second panel. The mechanical locking device includes a rod-shaped element at the first edge surface and an insertion groove at the second panel surface and an edge groove at the second edge surface and a flexible tongue positioned in the edge groove. The rod-shaped element includes a recess and is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove. The flexible tongue is configured to cooperate with the recess for a locking of the first panel to the second panel.