Furniture Panel Tooling for Angled Groove Drilling and Lock Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool arrangements for preparing furniture products face challenges in achieving acceptable tolerances, applying adhesive means adequately, and manufacturing speed.

Innovation Solution

A tool arrangement comprising a drilling device, dispenser device, and inserter device configured to form an insertion groove, dispense adhesive, and insert a locking means, with the drilling and inserter devices angled at 15-75 degrees relative to the surface, allowing for efficient groove formation and adhesive distribution without displacing the tool configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If transversely oriented devices are used in multiple work stations, then operations can be performed on building elements, but acceptable tolerances and manufacturing precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional tolerancesVSAvoidmultiple work stations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines drilling device, dispenser device, and inserter device into a single integrated tool configuration that processes the building element in one linear displacement. This merging of previously separate work stations into one unified system maintains dimensional tolerances while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool configuration performs multiple functions (drilling insertion grooves, dispensing adhesive, inserting locking means) within a single multi-functional unit. This universal device handles all preparation operations for furniture product assembly in one pass, improving precision without requiring multiple specialized work stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional tool arrangements are used, then building elements can be prepared, but speed of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of manufactureVSAvoidmanufacturing cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool configuration maintains continuous useful action by performing drilling, adhesive dispensing, and locking means insertion in one uninterrupted linear displacement along the primary axis. This eliminates idle time between operations and maximizes manufacturing speed without sacrificing preparation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling device creates insertion grooves in advance during the same linear displacement that the dispenser and inserter will subsequently use. This preliminary action of forming grooves while moving allows adhesive and locking means to be immediately applied without additional positioning time, accelerating the overall manufacturing cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the drill is arranged at an acute angle to the surface, then groove formation precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroove formation precisionVSAvoidangled drill arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drill is arranged at an asymmetric acute angle (15-75 degrees) relative to the building element surface rather than perpendicular. This asymmetric orientation optimizes insertion groove formation precision by aligning the drill axis with the desired groove direction, while the acute angle itself simplifies the mechanical arrangement compared to complex angular adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4288258B1Arrangements for preparing of furniture product
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 VÄLINGE INNOVATION AB
  • EP4288258B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4288258B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4288258B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In one aspect there is provided a tool arrangement 1 for manufacture of a furniture product comprising a building element 20, such as a building panel. A tool configuration 10 is configured to be displaced, such as linearly displaced, along a primary axis x1. The tool configuration comprises a drilling device 3 comprising a drill 31 configured to form an insertion groove 23' in a surface 23 of said building element by means of axial displacement along a longitudinal centre axis y1 of the drill in a direction towards said building element. The tool configuration further comprises a dispenser device 5 configured to dispense adhesive means into said insertion groove and an inserter device 4 configured to arrange a locking means 41 in the insertion groove. The longitudinal axis y1 of the rotatable tool 31 is preferably arranged at an acute angle A1 to said primary axis x1 and/or to said surface 23.