Mechanical Panel Locking with Flexible Tongue for Tool-Free Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly systems with mechanical locking devices face challenges in easy disassembly and reassembly without damaging the locking mechanism, requiring tools, and are not easily reusable.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking device comprising a flexible tongue and a rod-shaped element with an angled panel groove and insertion groove allows for easy disassembly by flexing the tongue, enabling panels to be dismantled and reassembled without tools, with the option to reuse panels in different configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking device is used to connect panels, then the panels can be securely locked together, but the locking device cannot be damaged during disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into separate components: a locking element with a head portion and a shaft portion, and a receiving structure with an insertion groove. This segmentation allows the locking element to be inserted and removed without applying damaging forces to the entire locking device, enabling repeated assembly and disassembly while maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft portion of the locking element acts as an intermediary component that can be inserted into the insertion groove of the receiving structure. This intermediary design allows the locking element to engage and disengage from the receiving structure without damaging the locking device, facilitating multiple assembly cycles.
2Strength
If a mechanical locking device is designed for secure locking, then the locking strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into a locking element and a receiving structure, where the locking element contains the locking mechanism within its head portion. This segmentation maintains strong locking capability while simplifying the overall device structure, as each component has a specific function and can be manufactured independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be movable relative to the receiving structure, allowing it to be inserted into and removed from the insertion groove. This dynamic design enables the locking device to transition between locked and unlocked states while maintaining structural simplicity and manufacturing ease.
3Ease of operation
If panels are designed to be easily disassembled, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft portion of the locking element serves as an intermediary that can be easily inserted into and removed from the insertion groove of the receiving structure. This design allows for simple disassembly operations while the head portion maintains a reliable locking connection when engaged, balancing ease of operation with connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be easily inserted and removed from the receiving structure. This dynamic design enables simple disassembly while maintaining reliable connection when locked, as the locking element can be quickly engaged and disengaged without compromising the strength of the locked state.
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
Facilitates easy disassembly and reassembly of panels, allowing for flexible reconfiguration and reuse, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process for the locking device.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible tongue is configured to be flexed inwards towards the bottom surface to be completely positioned in the panel groove
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
A method for dismantling a set and a set (1) comprising a first panel (10), a second panel (20a) and a mechanical locking device (30) for locking the first panel (10) to the second panel (20a), wherein the first panel (10) comprises a first edge surface (11) and a first panel surface (12), the second panel (20a) comprises a second panel surface (22), the first edge surface (11) is facing the second panel surface (22) in a locked position of the first and the second panel (10, 20a), the mechanical locking device (30) comprises a panel groove (133) at the second panel surface (22), a flexible tongue (6) positioned in the panel groove (133), a rod-shaped element (31) at the first edge surface (11) and an insertion groove (32) at the second panel surface (22) extending from the second panel surface (22) to the panel groove (133), the rod-shaped element (31) is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove (32) and the rod-shaped element (31) comprises a recess (34), the flexible tongue (6) is configured to cooperate with the recess (34) for a locking of the first panel (10) to the second panel (20a) in a first direction which is perpendicular to the second panel surface (22), and the panel groove (133) extending at an angle α in the second panel (20) in view of the second panel surface (22).