Automated assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling furniture products with mechanical locking devices are not automated, leading to potential incorrect installations and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the sequential connection of panels with specific angular adjustments and linear displacements, utilizing a locking device with flexible tongues and edge grooves, and automated steps such as vacuum gripping and pivoting to achieve precise assembly, including the use of robots for automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual assembly methods are used for furniture products with mechanical locking devices, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but automation cannot be achieved and incorrect installations may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into distinct sequential steps: positioning panels at initial angles, linear displacement to bring edges together, and pivoting to final 90-degree alignment. This segmentation enables automated robotic execution of each step while maintaining process flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Panels are pre-configured with edge grooves and mechanical locking devices before assembly. The initial angular arrangement (non-90-degree positioning) is a preliminary action that facilitates automated handling and alignment, with the final perpendicular positioning achieved through controlled pivoting during assembly.
2Strength
If complex mechanical locking devices are used to connect panels, then connection strength is improved, but the risk of incorrect installation increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical locking device with flexible tongue and edge groove is designed to self-align and self-lock during the automated assembly process. The flexible tongue automatically engages with the edge groove when panels are positioned and pivoted to 90 degrees, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment or alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the flexible tongue (elastic deformation) to enable automatic engagement. The tongue bends during insertion and pivoting, then springs back to lock securely in the edge groove, providing strong connections through material property changes rather than complex mechanical structures.
3Extent of automation
If panels are arranged at initial angles greater than 90 degrees for automated assembly, then automation capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process employs dynamic angular positioning, transitioning panels from initial angles (greater than 90 degrees) to final 90-degree perpendicular alignment. This dynamic approach allows automated robots to handle panels more easily during positioning, with the final precise perpendicular orientation achieved through controlled pivoting motion rather than requiring extreme initial precision.
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
Facilitates efficient, automated, and accurate assembly of furniture products, reducing the risk of incorrect installation and simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring panels are correctly aligned and locked.
Implementation Method 1
The method may comprise arranging one of the first or second panel at a mounting surface and fixating a relative position between the first or second panel and the mounting surface. The fixating may comprise creating a vacuum by a fixture between the first or second panel and the mounting surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a set of panels, to obtain an assembled product, including connecting a first edge of a first panel, with a first main plane, to a first edge of a second panel, with a second main plane, including arranging a third panel with a third main plane perpendicular to the first main plane, arranging a first edge of the third panel at a second edge of the second panel and arranging the third main plane with a second angle in relation to the second main plane; connecting the first edge of the third panel to the second edge of the second panel, by displacing the third panel and/or the second panel; and connecting a second edge of the third panel to a second edge of the first panel and connecting the first edge of the third panel to the second edge of the second panel.