A set comprising a panel and a pull grip arranged with a mechanical locking mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture components, such as handles, are often fixed to cabinets or drawers using screws or glue, leading to visible fasteners or risk of detachment, which complicates assembly and affects aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
A set comprising a component and a panel with a mechanical locking device, utilizing an extruded component with a locking groove and flexible tongue, allowing for easy assembly and secure attachment without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or glue are used to fix furniture components to panels, then the components can be attached to the furniture, but the screws become visible when opening the cabinet or drawer, and glued handles may fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The visible fasteners (screws) are extracted and replaced by a hidden mechanical locking system. The locking groove and locking part are integrated into the panel and component respectively, allowing secure attachment without external visible fasteners. The locking mechanism operates internally within the component-panel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical locking device consisting of a locking groove and locking part acts as an intermediary between the panel and component. This intermediary mechanism provides both secure attachment and hidden fastening, resolving the conflict between reliability and aesthetics.
2Reliability
If traditional fixing methods are used, then components can be attached, but assembly becomes complicated and the risk of incorrect installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-l locking. The locking part automatically engages with the locking groove when the component is inserted into the panel, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures or specialized tools. The design guides proper installation through its geometric configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking groove in the panel, the locking part in the component, and the locking element. This segmentation allows for simple manufacturing of individual parts while achieving complex locking functionality through their interaction.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical locking device with locking groove and locking part is used, then assembly is simplified and aesthetics are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking groove and locking part are merged into the existing component and panel structures during manufacturing. Rather than adding separate complex fastening systems, the locking features are integrated directly into the molded or extruded components, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment, maintains aesthetic appearance by hiding fasteners, simplifies assembly through self-alignment, and allows for easy disassembly if needed. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A set comprising a component (1), a panel (2) and a mechanical locking device for locking the component (1) to the panel (2) is described. The component (1) comprises a first edge surface (11) and the panel (2) comprises a second edge surface (21). The set is characterized in that that the mechanical locking device comprises a locking groove (3) at the second edge surface (21), the locking groove (3) comprising at least one tongue groove (4), that the mechanical locking device comprises at least one locking element (5) at the first edge surface (11), the locking element (5) comprising at least one insertion groove (6) and a flexible tongue (7) positioned in the insertion groove (6). The flexible tongue (7) is configured to cooperate with the tongue groove (4) for locking of the component (1) to the panel (2) in a first direction (D1), which is perpendicular to the second edge surface (21), and the component (1) is an extruded component.