Rotatable Cylinder Locking Device for Tool-Free Panel Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly technologies require tools for assembling and disassembling panels, and the locking mechanisms are complex and costly to manufacture, lacking ease of use and increased locking strength.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising a cylinder and lever that rotates between mounting and locking positions within a groove and hole system, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly with enhanced locking strength, featuring a single-piece design and ridges for increased force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mechanical locking device with flexible tongue and pin is used, then locking strength is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into two functional parts: a groove in the first panel and a corresponding edge in the second panel. The groove provides the locking receptacle while the edge provides the locking protrusion, eliminating the need for complex flexible tongues and pins. This segmentation simplifies the device structure while maintaining locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the traditional locking mechanism. By removing the flexible tongue and pin components and replacing them with a simple groove-edge interface, the device complexity is reduced while the essential locking function is preserved through the geometric interlock of the groove and edge.
2Reliability
If traditional locking devices are used, then locking function is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be self-servicing through a simple lever mechanism that operates without external tools. The lever engages with the groove-edge interface and can be manually manipulated to lock or unlock the panels, making the system easy to operate while maintaining reliable locking function.
3Strength
If complex locking devices are used, then locking strength is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into simple geometric features (groove and edge) that can be easily manufactured using standard machining or molding processes. This segmentation allows each panel to be manufactured independently with simple features, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the required locking strength through their geometric interlock.
Data Source
AI summary
A set for a furniture product includes a panel, an adjacent panel and a locking device. The panel includes a groove and at least one hole connected to the groove via an opening. The adjacent panel includes a first edge that is configured to be arranged in the groove of the panel. The locking device is configured to lock the first edge of the adjacent panel in the groove of the panel. The locking device includes a cylinder and a lever connected to the cylinder. The cylinder is configured to be arranged in the hole in the panel. The cylinder is configured to be displaceable in the hole between a first mounting position and a second locking position by rotation of the cylinder.