Panel-Shaped Element Interlocking Coupling with Hidden Profiled Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly methods, particularly for flat-pack furniture, are cumbersome for DIY assembly due to complex connection systems involving numerous accessories, which complicates user assembly and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A composed element design featuring panel-shaped elements with profiled parts that allow interlocking coupling, where the profiled parts are hidden from view, enabling easy assembly and minimizing aesthetic impact, using materials like laminate strips or ABS for durability and a snap-action mechanism for secure joining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional 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 accessories required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coupling function directly into the panel edges through profiled parts (tongues and grooves) that are formed as integral features of the panel elements themselves. This merging of the connection function into the panel structure eliminates the need for separate connection accessories, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the interlocking profiled geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled parts on the panel edges serve multiple functions: they provide structural coupling between panels, guide alignment during assembly, and enable the snap-action mechanism. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate accessories into a single integrated feature, addressing both the reliability and complexity concerns
2Reliability
If multiple connection accessories are provided with furniture, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to extra packaging costs and assembly instructions
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the profiled coupling parts as integral features of the panel elements during panel manufacturing, the invention eliminates the need to separately package, inventory, and distribute multiple connection accessories. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process and packaging requirements while maintaining connection reliability through the robust interlocking design
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled parts are designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through the snap-action mechanism, eliminating the need for complex assembly instructions or specialized assembly tools. The panels guide themselves into proper alignment and secure their own connection, reducing manufacturing complexity and improving ease of assembly
3Strength
If profiled parts extend to the end face of panels, then the coupling strength is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible profiled parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the profiled coupling parts from the visible end face surface and relocates them to the edge zones of the panels. This separation allows the end faces to maintain a clean, aesthetic appearance while the edge zones contain the functional coupling features, resolving the contradiction between strength and appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled parts are positioned specifically in the edge zones rather than extending across the entire end face. This localized placement concentrates the coupling function where it is structurally necessary while preserving the aesthetic quality of the visible panel surfaces, achieving both strength and appearance goals
4Ease of operation
If simple coupling means are used for flat-pack furniture, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to insufficient connection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-action mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that provide progressive resistance during assembly. The coupling starts with guided alignment for ease of operation, then transitions through a snap-action phase that secures the connection with high reliability. This dynamic sequence allows simple operation while achieving robust connection characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled parts are designed with composite geometric features combining rigid interlocking elements with flexible snap-action components. This composite structure enables both the simplicity of easy assembly and the reliability of strong connections, as the rigid portions provide structural strength while the flexible portions enable simple snap-together assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A composed element includes at least two panel-shaped elements, which each have an edge zone in which coupling means are present in a profiled part respectively extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective edge zone, and each including an end face extending transversely to the respective edge zone. The profiled parts allow the coupling of the panel-shaped elements together in an interlocking manner. 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.