Mechanical Panel Locking Groove for Easier Tool-Assisted Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking devices for furniture panels are difficult to disassemble, as the tools required for unlocking can be hard to insert due to tight tolerances and potential sticking issues, especially when production tolerances are large.
Innovation Solution
The locking device features an edge groove with an offset first groove surface and a tongue groove with a beveled or rounded opening, allowing for easier tool insertion and preventing the flexible tongue from getting stuck, along with a design that facilitates the tool's crosscut area to be larger and stronger, enabling smoother disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device uses tight tolerances for precise locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the tool insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is segmented into a first groove surface and a second groove surface offset from each other. The first groove surface provides a clear insertion path for the tool, while the second groove surface maintains the locking function, effectively separating the insertion and locking functions to resolve the contradiction between easy tool insertion and reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset groove surfaces act as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the tool insertion requirement and the locking requirement. The first groove surface guides the tool in, while the second groove surface engages with the tongue to maintain locking, allowing both functions to coexist without direct conflict.
2Device complexity
If the tongue groove opening is small for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tool insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the problem from a two-dimensional opening size issue to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by offsetting the groove surfaces in the depth direction. This allows the opening to remain small for compactness while the offset first groove surface provides sufficient insertion space by utilizing the third dimension.
3Strength
If the flexible tongue is tightly fitted for strong locking, then the locking strength is improved, but the sticking risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is divided into offset first and second groove surfaces, creating distinct functional zones. The first groove surface accommodates tool insertion with appropriate clearance, while the second groove surface maintains tight engagement with the tongue for strong locking, separating the insertion and locking functions to prevent sticking.
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 configuration simplifies the disassembly process by providing a clear path for the tool and reducing the risk of the flexible tongue getting stuck, making it easier to unlock the panels without requiring excessive force or specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tongue is arranged in the insertion groove. Said flexible tongue is configured to cooperate with the tongue groove for locking together the first edge and the second edge
Data Source
AI summary
A set of panels including a first panel, a second, and a locking device. The locking device includes an edge groove at the first edge and a tongue groove at the second edge. The edge groove includes a flexible tongue arranged in an insertion groove at a first side of the edge groove. The edge groove includes a first groove surface at a first side of the insertion groove and a second groove surface at a second side of the insertion groove. The second edge includes a first edge surface at a first side of the tongue groove and a second edge surface at a second side of the tongue groove. The locking device is configured to be unlocked by inserting a tool in the tongue groove. The first groove surface is arranged offset in a second direction relative to the second groove surface by a first distance.