Multi-Layer Furniture Panels With Hidden Interlocking Edge Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly methods, particularly for flat-pack furniture, are cumbersome for DIY assembly due to the complexity of connections using numerous accessories, which increases manufacturing costs and confuses users, and existing solutions do not provide a simple, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective way to couple panel-shaped elements.
Innovation Solution
A composed element design featuring panel-shaped elements with profiled parts along their edges that allow interlocking coupling, where the profiled parts are hidden from view, using covering materials or filling materials to optimize connection strength and aesthetics, and utilizing multi-layered boards with structural layers for enhanced stability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous connection accessories (pins, screws, clamping pins) are used to couple furniture panels, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the large number of parts and assembly instructions required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated coupling means. The profiled part incorporates both the coupling geometry and locking mechanism within one component, eliminating the need for separate pins, screws, and clamping elements. This merging reduces the number of accessories while maintaining reliable panel coupling through the integrated interlocking and locking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means designed in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural coupling between panels, ensures precise positioning during assembly, and delivers secure locking to prevent separation. This multi-functionality is achieved through the profiled geometry that combines coupling surfaces, guiding features, and locking mechanisms in a single universal component that replaces numerous specialized accessories.
2Reliability
If numerous connection accessories are provided with furniture, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and packaging requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection accessories into one integrated coupling means, reducing the total component count that must be manufactured, packaged, and inventoried. The profiled part combines coupling and locking functions in a single manufacturable component, eliminating the need to produce and supply separate pins, screws, and clamping elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal coupling means designed in the patent performs multiple connection functions simultaneously, replacing numerous specialized accessories. This multi-functionality reduces the variety of parts that must be manufactured and supplied, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs associated with producing, packaging, and managing a large assortment of connection accessories.
3Ease of operation
If profiled parts are used for coupling panel-shaped elements, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the esthetical appearance deteriorates due to visible connection features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible portion of the profiled coupling means from the final assembled appearance. The coupling and locking features are positioned and designed so that they are not visible from the exterior of the finished furniture piece. This extraction allows the functional connection features to be hidden within the panel structure or at locations not visible in normal use, maintaining both simple assembly and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces covering elements as intermediaries between the functional profiled coupling means and the external environment. These covering parts conceal the connection features while allowing the coupling mechanism to function normally, thereby mediating between the need for visible simplicity in assembly and the requirement for aesthetic appearance in the finished product.
4Shape
If covering materials are used to hide profiled parts, then the esthetical appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the coupling and locking functions to positions where they are not visible from the exterior, eliminating the need for additional covering materials. By positioning the profiled coupling means at hidden locations or designing them to be concealed by the panel structure itself, the patent achieves aesthetic appearance without adding the complexity of separate covering components.
Data Source
AI summary
Composed element including at least two panel-shaped elements, which each have an edge zone in which coupling means are present in the form of a profiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective edge zone, as well as each including an end face extending transversely to the respective edge zone, wherein said profiled parts allow coupling the panel-shaped elements together in an interlocking manner, wherein at least one of the panel-shaped elements includes an arrangement which hides from view at least a portion of the profiled part formed at the pertaining edge zone at the location of the end face.