A set of panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly technologies require tools for assembly and disassembly, and the locking mechanisms are complex and costly to manufacture, lacking ease of use and increased locking strength.
Innovation Solution
A set of panels with a one-piece locking device featuring an eccentric cylinder and lever that locks adjacent panels together without tools, using a cam mechanism to provide tactile feedback and increased locking force through a snail or egg-shaped locking surface, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional mechanical locking device with multiple components is used, then the locking strength is sufficient, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking components (tongue, groove, pin, spring) into a single integrated locking element that combines all these functions in one piece, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining locking strength through the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The single locking element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a tongue for engagement, a pin for positioning, incorporates a spring mechanism for locking force, and provides tactile feedback - replacing multiple specialized components with one multi-functional element
2Strength
If a traditional mechanical locking device requiring tools is used, then the locking strength is sufficient, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be self-servicing through the tactile feedback mechanism that guides the user during assembly and disassembly, eliminating the need for external tools or complex alignment procedures - the system serves itself by providing built-in guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element incorporates a tactile feedback mechanism that provides sensory information to the user during assembly and disassembly operations, enabling tool-free operation through intuitive tactile cues that indicate proper engagement and locking states
3Reliability
If a complex multi-component locking device is used, then the locking mechanism is robust, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple locking components into a single molded or machined element, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps, inventory items, and assembly operations required, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with distinct functional zones and features that are integrated into a single piece, allowing each function (engagement, positioning, spring mechanism, feedback) to be optimized independently while being manufactured as one unit, reducing overall system complexity
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 easy assembly and disassembly of panels without tools, enhances locking strength, and reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying the locking device into a single, cost-effective component.
Implementation Method 1
The cylinder is configured to act as a cam when the cylinder is turned about an axis in the hole
Implementation Method 2
The cylinder is an eccentric cylinder comprising a top and bottom base and a locking surface connecting the top and bottom base
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method, a locking device and a set of panels (1), preferably for a furniture product, including a panel (2) and an adjacent panel (3), wherein the panel (2) includes a groove (21) and at least one hole (22) connected to the groove (21) via an opening (23), the adjacent panel (3) includes a first edge (31) that is configured to be arranged in the groove (21) of the panel (2), and the panel (2) includes a locking device (4) configured to lock the first edge (31) of the adjacent panel (3) in the groove (21) of the panel (2), wherein the locking device (4) includes a cylinder (41) and a lever (42) connected to the cylinder (41), the cylinder (41) is configured to be arranged in the hole (22) in the panel (2), the cylinder (41) is an eccentric cylinder (41) including a top and bottom base(43, 44) and a locking surface (45) connecting the top and bottom base (43, 44), the cylinder (41) is configured to act as a cam when the cylinder (41) is turned about an axis (A) in the hole (22), and the lever (42) is configured to, when turned, turn the cylinder (41) about the axis (A) between a mounting position and a locking position, wherein in the mounting position the first edge (31) of the adjacent panel (3) is free to be arranged in the groove (21) of the panel (2) and in the locking position a part (45a) of the locking surface (45) of the locking device (4) extend into the groove (21) through the opening (23) and lock the adjacent panel (3) in the groove (21).