Panels comprising a mechanical locking device and an assembled product comprising the panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture panels locked with mechanical devices are difficult to disassemble efficiently, as the tools required to unlock them often get stuck or are hard to insert due to production tolerances and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an offset groove surface configuration in the locking device, allowing for easier tool insertion and preventing the flexible tongue from getting stuck, with features like bevels and a larger crosscut area for the tool, facilitating disassembly by providing a play between the tool and groove surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking device with a flexible tongue is used to lock panels together, then the panels are securely locked in position, but the device becomes difficult to disassemble as tools get stuck or are hard to insert
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a tongue groove for locking, and a separate tool insertion groove. This segmentation allows the tool groove to be optimized independently for tool access, preventing tools from getting stuck while maintaining the locking function through the tongue groove.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated tool insertion groove acts as an intermediary element between the external tool and the internal locking mechanism. This intermediary groove provides a clear, unobstructed path for tool insertion, mediating between the need for secure locking and easy disassembly.
2Device complexity
If the tongue groove is positioned close to the panel edge for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but tools become even harder to insert due to limited access space
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the tool insertion access from a lateral approach (perpendicular to the panel edge) to an approach from the end of the panel. This dimensional change in access direction allows tools to reach the tongue groove without interference from the panel edge, resolving the conflict between compact design and tool accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of panels including a first panel, a second, and a locking device. The locking device includes an edge groove at the first edge and a tongue groove at the second edge. The edge groove includes a flexible tongue arranged in an insertion groove at a first side of the edge groove. The edge groove includes a first groove surface at a first side of the insertion groove and a second groove surface at a second side of the insertion groove. The second edge includes a first edge surface at a first side of the tongue groove and a second edge surface at a second side of the tongue groove. The locking device is configured to be unlocked by inserting a tool in the tongue groove. The first groove surface is arranged offset in a second direction relative to the second groove surface by a first distance.