Panels comprising a mechanical locking device and an assembled product comprising the panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking devices for assembling furniture panels lack sufficient strength and often overload weak parts of the panels, leading to instability in assembled products.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking device featuring a flexible tongue and groove system with strategically positioned locking surfaces and contact areas, which distributes load effectively and enhances panel stability by utilizing a first space between the edge tongue and groove, and includes bevels for easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking device is used to connect panels, then the panels can be assembled and locked together, but the weak parts of the panels at the opening of the edge groove are overloaded and lack sufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical locking device comprising an edge tongue and edge groove as an intermediary mechanism between panels. The locking device includes a first space positioned between the edge tongue and edge groove at the opening, which acts as a mediator to redirect and distribute loads away from the weak panel edge material, preventing direct overload while maintaining secure panel connection
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the edge tongue extending from the junction plane, the edge groove with insertion groove, and the first space between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the tongue and groove provide mechanical interlocking while the first space provides load distribution, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and local strength
2Strength
If a mechanical locking device with flexible tongue is used, then the locking strength is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible tongue component within the edge groove that can elastically deform during assembly and locking operations. This flexible element provides enhanced locking strength and adaptability to panel variations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, as the flexibility is achieved through material selection and geometric design rather than complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical locking device is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through the cooperation of the edge tongue and edge groove geometry. The first space and junction plane configuration enable automatic positioning and locking without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining high locking strength
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 solution significantly increases the strength of the locking mechanism, prevents overloading of weak panel edges, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, resulting in a more stable and durable furniture product.
Implementation Method 1
The edge groove comprises a flexible tongue arranged in an insertion groove. Said flexible tongue is configured to cooperate with the tongue groove for locking together the first and the second edges in a second direction which is perpendicular to the second main plane.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of panels including a first panel with a first main plane and a second panel with a second main plane. The first and the second panel are provided with a mechanical locking device for locking a first edge of the first panel to a second edge of the second panel at a junction plane, wherein the first main plane is essentially perpendicular to the second main plane and the junction plane is extending between the first main plane and the second main plane. The first edge includes an edge tongue that extends from the junction plane. The second edge includes an edge groove at the junction plane. The edge tongue is configured to cooperate with the edge groove for locking together the first and the second edges in a first direction which is perpendicular to the first main plane. The edge tongue includes a tongue groove.