Panel Edge Locking Device with Flexible Tongue and Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking devices for assembling furniture panels lack sufficient strength and often load weak parts of the panels, which can lead to instability and difficulty in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking device comprising a flexible tongue and tongue groove system with strategically positioned locking surfaces and contact surfaces, where the edge tongue extends beyond the junction plane and the edge groove includes a flexible tongue that can cooperate with the tongue groove for locking in multiple directions, providing additional material support and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple mechanical locking device is used to connect panels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and stability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into multiple functional components: edge tongue, edge groove, flexible tongue, and locking surfaces. Each component performs a specific function - the edge tongue and groove provide structural interlocking, the flexible tongue provides elastic engagement, and the locking surfaces distribute loads. This segmentation allows the device to achieve high strength without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tongue is nested within the edge groove, and the tongue groove is nested within the edge tongue structure. This nesting arrangement allows multiple locking mechanisms to be integrated in a compact space, providing enhanced strength while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the edge groove is positioned directly at the junction plane, then the assembly is simplified, but the weak part of the panel at the opening is subjected to excessive load
Solution Approach 1:
The first space acts as an intermediary zone between the edge groove opening and the junction plane. This space serves as a buffer that prevents direct load transmission to the weak panel edge at the opening. The locking force is distributed through this intermediate region to stronger parts of the panel, improving durability while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Strength
If multiple locking surfaces are added to the locking device, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different locking surfaces are positioned at different locations with different orientations to address specific local requirements. The first locking surface at the junction plane handles primary loading, while the second locking surface at a distance provides additional support. This localized approach enhances overall strength without requiring a uniformly complex structure throughout.
4Strength
If the edge tongue extends beyond the junction plane, then additional material support is provided for loading, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The edge tongue extends in the second direction (perpendicular to the first main plane) beyond the junction plane, utilizing a different spatial dimension to provide additional material support. This dimensional extension allows the structure to absorb loads that would otherwise concentrate at the junction, enhancing strength without significantly increasing overall device 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
The solution enhances the strength of the mechanical locking device by distributing load more evenly and improving assembly stability, while also allowing for easy disassembly with a beveled tongue groove to prevent sticking.
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.