Hidden joining device for parts of furniture and furnishing items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture joining devices are complex, visible, and aesthetically unpleasing, with holes and caps creating protrusions and weakening the structural integrity of furniture pieces.
Innovation Solution
A hidden joining device that uses a blocking group inserted inside a horizontal blind hole in the base or shelf, acting on a pin connection group, with only rear-facing holes visible, eliminating protrusions and maintaining structural robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional joining devices with holes and caps are used, then the joining function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible holes and protruding caps
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful visible caps and protruding elements are extracted and removed from the furniture surface. The blocking group is completely embedded within the base panel, with only the essential positioning holes remaining, which are then covered by decorative inlays rather than functional caps.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking group is nested within the base panel structure. The blocking element is housed inside a recess in the base, and the entire joining mechanism is contained within the panel thickness, eliminating external protrusions.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple holes are provided in the base for joining elements, then the joining function is achieved, but the structural strength deteriorates due to holes weakening the base
Solution Approach 1:
The joining function is segmented between the positioning holes (for alignment) and the blocking group (for mechanical interlocking). This segmentation allows minimal holes to be used, reducing structural weakening while maintaining joining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking group is pre-positioned in the base before the final assembly. The blocking element is inserted into the recess and positioned in advance, allowing the shoulder to be joined without requiring additional holes through the base after assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional joining devices with multiple components are used, then the joining function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking group combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: positioning, mechanical blocking, and aesthetic finishing are all incorporated into one element that is embedded in the base, reducing the total number of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking group serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides mechanical interlocking between shoulder and base, acts as a positioning reference during assembly, and serves as a decorative surface element when flush-mounted, eliminating the need for separate functional and aesthetic components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hidden joining device for parts of furniture and furnishing items, in particular between a first panel, such as a shoulder of a piece of furniture, and a second panel, such as a base or shelf or top of a piece of furniture, which must be moved toward each other along an approach direction to bring the edge of one panel abutted in a tightening position against a surface of the other panel, includes a blocking group and a connection group coupled to those panels The blocking group is inserted inside a seat that is contained in the thickness of the panel on which the blocking group is applied. The seat has an axis perpendicular to the approach direction and extends from a rear edge of the panels toward the interior of the panels, forming a single visible hole in the two panels when connected.