Orthogonal Panel Joining With Welded Pins and Glue-Filled Cavities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for joining panels in furniture and trolleys, particularly those with metal components, face challenges due to the high weight of metal panels, which limits the use of standard components and accessories designed for lighter materials, and requires complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of steel pins arc-welded to one panel and holes filled with temperature-resistant polypropylenic glue in a second panel, allowing for orthogonal joining without screws or bolts, enabling easy assembly and interchangeability with conventional panels using conventional machinery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal panels are used in furniture and trolleys, then mechanical strength and flame resistance are improved, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidpanel weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite panel construction combining metal elements with lighter materials such as plastic or aluminum. This creates a hybrid structure that maintains the mechanical strength and flame resistance benefits of metal while significantly reducing the overall weight, allowing standard furniture components to be used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies metal elements selectively in specific locations where strength is most needed, rather than using solid metal panels throughout. This localized application of metal provides structural reinforcement at critical points while keeping the overall panel weight low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If metal panels are used, then flame resistance and corrosion resistance are improved, but standard furniture components cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidcomponent compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By creating composite panels with reduced weight, the invention enables the use of standard furniture components and accessories designed for conventional panels. The metal elements within the composite provide flame and corrosion resistance, while the overall lighter construction allows compatibility with industry-standard hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If metal panels are used, then durability is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel durabilityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The composite panel design simplifies assembly by enabling the use of standard joining methods and components. The reduced weight and optimized structure allow for easier handling and assembly with conventional furniture manufacturing equipment and techniques, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This method provides a strong, dependable, and aesthetically pleasing connection that is easy to assemble and allows for the use of standard components, while being cost-effective and suitable for various applications, including health and hospital fields.

Implementation Method 1

steel pins arc-welded to one panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc welding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

holes filled with temperature-resistant polypropylenic glue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal melting and adhesion: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3300630B1Method for joining panels, in particular for furniture or trolleys
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 I L V E S P A IND LAVORAZ VENETA ELETTRODOMESTICI SPA
  • EP3300630B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3300630B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3300630B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention refers to a method of joining panels, in particular for pieces of furniture or holding trolleys, comprising at least one portion of lightweight material (102, 109) and at least one metallic half-shell (103, 110). The method comprises the steps of making of a first panel (101) provided with a plurality of pins (107) arranged perpendicularly to the first panel (101) and having at least one threaded portion; making a second panel (108) provided with a plurality of cavities (114) obtained, in use, in positions corresponding to the plurality of pins (107); filling the plurality of cavities (114) with a suitable glue; joining the first panel (101) to the second panel (108) at orthogonal planes by inserting the pins (107) into the cavities (114); permanently fastening the first panel (101) to the second panel (108) through the solidification and gripping of the glue on the threaded portion of the plurality of pins (107) and on the portions surrounding the cavity (114).