Pivoting Locking Arm Connection Fitting for Tool-Free Panel Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection fittings for panel-shaped furniture parts, such as partitions, either require tools for detachment and reconnection or provide unstable angles due to the use of angle elements or Velcro fasteners, limiting flexibility and stability in adjusting the angle between connected partitions.

Innovation Solution

A connecting fitting system comprising a mounting base section, a pivotable locking arm with a locking pin, and a recess, allowing for 180° pivoting and radial movement of the locking pin, enabling tool-free and stable attachment and detachment of furniture parts with adjustable angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If angle elements with fastening screws are used to connect partitions, then a stable connection at a predetermined angle is achieved, but the partitions cannot be detached and reconnected without tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtool-free assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection fitting is divided into separate components: a mounting base section that attaches to the furniture part and a locking arm with locking means that can engage with a recess. This segmentation allows the locking arm to be pivoted into position and locked without tools, while still providing a stable connection when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking arm is designed to be pivotable about an axis of rotation, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. The locking means can move radially to engage or disengage from the recess, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining connection stability when locked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If Velcro fasteners are used to attach partitions, then the partitions can be connected at any angle and the angle can be changed, but the connection is not stable and may loosen unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm can be pivoted to different angular positions to accommodate various angles between partitions, providing adaptability. When the desired angle is achieved, the locking means engages with the recess to secure the connection, preventing unintentional loosening while maintaining angle adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing the angular parameter between partitions by pivoting the locking arm to different positions. The locking means can engage at any angular position, providing both angle variability and connection stability without the reliability issues of Velcro fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If angle elements are used to connect partitions at a predetermined angle, then connection stability is achieved, but changing the angle requires exchanging the angle element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtime for angle change
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm is designed to be pivotable about an axis of rotation, allowing it to be repositioned to different angular positions without replacing any components. This enables angle changes by simply pivoting the locking arm, eliminating the time-consuming process of exchanging angle elements while maintaining connection stability through the locking means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3360446B1Connection fitting
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 ASS EINRICHTUNGSSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP3360446B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3360446B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3360446B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

A connecting fitting (1) is provided for releasably attaching a first panel-shaped furniture part (T1) to a second panel-shaped furniture part (T2), the connecting fitting having at least: - a mounting base section (10) for attaching the connecting fitting to one of the two furniture parts (T1 ; T2), - a locking arm (20) with a first end section (A1) and a second end section (A2) opposite the first end section, and - a locking means (30), wherein - the locking arm (20) on the first end section (A1 ) is arranged on the mounting base section (10) such that it can be pivoted (P1) about an axis of rotation (DA), and - the locking means (30) is arranged on the second end section (A2) of the locking arm (20) in such a way that it can rotate in the radial direction ( P2) is movable relative to the locking arm (20). Also provided are a connection fitting system with at least two connection fittings according to the invention and a piece of furniture with a connection fitting according to the invention.