Panel Locking Device with Flexible Tongue for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly techniques require tools and do not provide a tight or aesthetically pleasing connection between panels, and the production of mechanical locking devices is complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking device comprising an edge groove with a flexible tongue that cooperates with a tongue groove, allowing panels to be assembled tool-free with a tighter and more aesthetic connection, featuring a design with fewer production steps and lower costs, utilizing a flexible tongue that protrudes from the groove surface and is arranged in an insertion groove, with specific contact areas and angles for optimal locking and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical locking devices are used for panel assembly, then the connection between panels is secure, but the assembly process requires tools and the connection is not tight or aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into separate components: a locking element with a tongue that engages with a groove in the other panel. This segmentation allows the panels to be assembled without tools, as the locking elements can be manually inserted and engaged, while still providing a tight and aesthetically pleasing connection when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is nested within a recess in the panel, allowing it to be hidden when not in use. The tongue of the locking element extends into the other panel's groove, creating a nested configuration that provides both tool-free assembly and a tight, concealed connection that is aesthetically pleasing
2Reliability
If complex mechanical locking devices are manufactured, then reliable locking is achieved, but production steps increase and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device uses a simple tongue-and-groove geometry with standardized dimensions. By standardizing the parameters of the locking elements and grooves across different panels, the manufacturing process is simplified while maintaining reliable locking functionality through consistent engagement geometry
3Stability of the object's composition
If panels are locked with perpendicular orientation, then stable structure is formed, but disassembly and reconfiguration become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device allows dynamic reconfiguration: panels can be locked in perpendicular orientations for stable structural configuration, and can be easily unlocked and repositioned by removing the locking elements. This dynamic capability enables both stable assembly and easy disassembly/reconfiguration without permanent fixation
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
Enables tool-free assembly of panels with a tighter and more aesthetically pleasing connection, reducing production complexity and costs while facilitating easy disassembly by angling motion, and accommodating variations in panel thickness for improved fit and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device comprises a flexible tongue
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 with a second main surface. The first and second main planes are essentially perpendicular in a locked position. The first and the second panel include a locking device for locking a first edge of the first panel to a second edge of the second panel. The locking device includes an edge groove wherein the edge groove includes a tongue, which is configured to cooperate with a tongue groove of the first panel, in a locked position, for locking the first and the second edges in a first direction which is perpendicular to the first main plane. A first groove surface of the edge groove cooperate with second main surface to lock the first and second panel in a second direction which is perpendicular to the second main plane.