Panel with a fastening device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly methods using screws are time-consuming and require tools, making the process inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less fastening device comprising protruding parts that insert into linearly arranged insertion grooves on a panel, with a flexible tongue mechanism for automatic locking and unlocking, allowing for quick assembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix furniture components to panels, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into separate components: a fastening element with protruding parts that can be inserted into grooves, and a panel with corresponding insertion grooves and edge grooves. This segmentation allows for tool-less assembly while maintaining connection strength through the interlocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the flexible tongue automatically engages with the protruding part upon insertion, eliminating the need for tools or additional fastening steps. The system serves itself by automatically securing the furniture component to the panel.
2Strength
If traditional screw fastening is used, then the furniture component is securely attached, but the process requires tools and skilled operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tongue automatically engages with the protruding part when the fastening element is inserted into the groove, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the attachment without requiring tools or specialized skills to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tongue is made of elastomeric material that can deform during insertion and then elastic rebound to lock onto the protruding part, providing both ease of operation and secure attachment through the flexibility and elasticity of the material.
3Productivity
If a tool-less fastening mechanism is implemented, then assembly time is reduced and operation is simplified, but the locking mechanism must be sufficiently reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tongue made of elastomeric material provides reliable locking through its ability to deform during insertion and then elastic rebound to firmly engage with the protruding part, ensuring the tool-less mechanism is sufficiently secure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding part has a curved surface that complements the flexible tongue's curvature, ensuring proper engagement and distribution of forces during locking, which enhances the reliability of the tool-less fastening mechanism.
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 rapid and tool-free assembly of furniture components by automatically locking the fastening device to the panel, reducing assembly time and enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tongue (6) arranged in the edge groove (5). The protruding part (8) is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove (7) and comprises a recess (9). The flexible tongue (6) is configured to cooperate with the recess (9) for a locking of the fastening device (1) to the panel (2).
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a set comprising a panel (2) and a fastening device (1) for securing a furniture component, such as a hinge, an interior fitting, a carrying device or a slider,to the panel (2). The fastening device(1) comprises an element (11) with a first element surface (12) comprising a protruding part (8) which protrudes from the first element surface(12). The panel comprises an edge surface (4) and a panel surface (3), which comprises an insertion groove (7). The fastening device (1) is configured to be assembled to the panel with the first element surface (12) facing the panel surface (3). The edge surface (4) comprises an edge groove (5) and a flexible tongue (6) is arranged in the edge groove (5). The protruding part (8) is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove (9) and comprises a recess (9) and the flexible tongue (6) is configured to cooperate with the recess (9) for a locking of the fastening device (1) to the panel (2).