A set of three panel-shaped elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional furniture assembly systems are often unstable, costly, and time-consuming due to the need for additional connecting pieces and complex manufacturing processes, while also being difficult to disassemble and reassemble efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A set of panel-shaped elements with complementary non-flat locking members that engage within a recess, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without additional components, enhancing stability and reducing production costs by simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional connecting pieces are used to couple intermediate walls with perpendicular elements, then the product can accommodate complex structural configurations, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural coupling between perpendicular elements, forms locking engagement through its profiled geometry, and eliminates the need for separate connecting pieces. The locking member with its specific profile shape combines what would otherwise require multiple discrete components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a connector between perpendicular elements, provides structural support, enables easy assembly through its engagement mechanism, and allows for disassembly. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specialized connecting pieces for each structural requirement, reducing both component count and manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional connecting pieces are used to couple intermediate walls with perpendicular elements, then the product can accommodate complex structural configurations, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the functions of multiple connecting pieces into a single locking member, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation decreases manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to accommodate complex structural configurations through the versatile profiled geometry of the locking member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary intermediate connecting pieces from the assembly, retaining only the essential locking member that performs all necessary coupling functions. This removal of redundant components directly reduces manufacturing cost and simplifies the production process while preserving structural adaptability.
3Reliability
If a mechanical locking system with flexible members and profiled parts is used, then the panels can be securely connected, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is pre-formed with its specific profiled geometry that enables automatic engagement with the recess. This preliminary preparation of the locking member's shape allows for quick insertion and self-locking action, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation during assembly while maintaining secure connection stability through the pre-designed engagement geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to perform its own locking function through its profiled shape that automatically engages with the recess when inserted. The component self-locks without requiring additional tools, fasteners, or complex assembly procedures, thereby increasing assembly speed while ensuring reliable connection through the self-contained locking mechanism.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional furniture assembly systems with multiple components are used, then the product can achieve structural stability, but the disassembly and reassembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member enables dynamic assembly and disassembly through its profiled geometry that allows for easy insertion and removal. The same geometric features that provide stable locking during use also facilitate quick release by simply withdrawing the locking member, making the product stable during operation but easy to disassemble and reassemble when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to maintain stable connection during use through its engagement with the recess, yet allows for easy disassembly by simply removing the locking member. The self-contained design requires no additional tools or complex procedures for disassembly, enabling users to easily dismantle and reassemble the furniture while maintaining structural stability during normal use.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4d
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
A set of panel-shaped elements includes a first panel-shaped element 1, a second panel- shaped element 2, and a third panel-shaped element 3. The first panel-shaped element 1 includes at least one recess 6a,6b that extends through the first panel-shaped element 1 from a first side 4 to a second side 5. The second panel-shaped element 2 includes a first profiled portion 9, which is configured to extend into the recess 6a,6b from the first side 4 of the first panel-shaped element 1. The third panel-shaped element 3 includes a second profiled portion 10, which is configured to extend into the recess 6a,6b from the second side 5 of the first panel-shaped element 1 and for locking engagement with the first profiled portion 9. The set of panel-shaped elements can be assembled using a method where the third element is moved into locking engagement with the first and second elements.