Panel Locking Device with Flexible Tongue for Tool-Free Disassembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panel locking devices are prone to damage during disassembly due to large forces, requiring tools and leading to impaired or broken locking mechanisms, with a need for smoother and more controlled disassembly without tools.

Innovation Solution

A locking device comprising a separate tongue with a vertical locking mechanism, where the tongue is inserted into a groove with a stop surface and abutment member, allowing manual disassembly through scissor-like folding, reducing the risk of damage by aligning wood fibers perpendicular to the tongue's extension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a mechanical locking device is used to secure panel edges, then the panels are firmly locked together, but the locking device becomes prone to damage during disassembly due to large forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking device strengthVSAvoidlocking device reliability during disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is divided into separate functional components: a tongue element with a locking portion and an abutment member. The tongue can be flexibly inserted into a groove and locked into position, while the abutment member engages with a stop surface. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be designed with flexible components that can accommodate disassembly forces without failing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue element is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to bend and adapt during insertion and locking. The abutment member can move relative to the tongue along the groove, enabling controlled engagement and disengagement. This dynamic design allows the locking device to absorb disassembly forces without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a locking device is designed for secure connection, then panels are firmly joined, but disassembly requires tools and applies large forces that may impair or break the locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel connection strengthVSAvoiddisassembly ease without tools

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed to be self-locking through the cooperation of the tongue element and groove, and self-unlocking through manual manipulation. The abutment member and stop surface create a mechanical interlock that secures the connection without requiring additional fasteners or complex mechanisms. During disassembly, the tongue can be manually flexed and repositioned to disengage from the groove, eliminating the need for external tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tongue element's flexibility parameter allows it to transition between locked and unlocked states through manual force application. The groove geometry and abutment member positioning are designed to guide the tongue through controlled movements, enabling easy disassembly while maintaining strong connection during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the locking device uses a rigid structure for strength, then connection is secure, but disassembly becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking device strengthVSAvoiddisassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tongue element is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to bend and adapt during insertion and locking. The abutment member can move relative to the tongue along the groove, enabling controlled engagement and disengagement. This dynamic design allows the locking device to absorb disassembly forces without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is divided into separate functional components: a tongue element with a locking portion and an abutment member. The tongue can be flexibly inserted into a groove and locked into position, while the abutment member engages with a stop surface. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be designed with flexible components that can accommodate disassembly forces without failing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250223810A1Set of panels comprising a locking device

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 VÄLINGE INNOVATION AB

AI summary

A set of panels including a locking device for locking a first edge portion of a first panel to a second edge portion of a second panel. The locking device includes a horizontal locking device and a vertical locking device. The vertical locking device includes a separate tongue arranged in an insertion groove of the first edge portion and a tongue groove provided in the second edge portion. In a vertically locked state of the first and second edge portions, an abutment member provided at a longitudinal end portion of the separate tongue cooperates with a stop surface of the second edge portion, and a locking portion of the separate tongue cooperates with the tongue groove at a locking surface arranged in a wood-based body layer including wood fibres mainly oriented along a first fibre direction.