Rotatable Furniture Panel Stop for Reversible Back Panel Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly methods, such as using nails or shims, are not reversible, difficult to use, and can damage components, especially when reconfiguring or moving furniture, and existing stop devices are cumbersome and not easily accessible during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable backrest-lock device with a main body having a side wall with a first and second portion, allowing easy interposition between a panel and a base, compensating for structural tolerances, and featuring a design that allows easy rotation from a free to a constraining position without external projections, enabling stable panel positioning and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nails are used to lock the rear panel, then the panel position is firmly maintained, but the assembly becomes irreversible and components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented from the panel structure itself and implemented through a separate, removable stop device that can be independently installed and removed without affecting the panel or base components
Solution Approach 2:
A stop device acts as an intermediary element between the rear panel and the base, providing the locking function while allowing reversible assembly. The stop device can be removed and refitted without damaging other components
2Reliability
If stop devices are inserted in communicating housings to lock panels, then panel positioning is achieved, but the devices are cumbersome and not easily accessible during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the stop device behind the panel where it would be inaccessible, the device is positioned in a groove on the base where it is easily accessible. The tab for manipulation is extended outward to allow easy rotation from free to constraining position
Solution Approach 2:
The stop device is positioned in a horizontal groove on the base rather than in a vertical housing behind the panel, changing the spatial dimension of accessibility and allowing easy manipulation during assembly
3Reliability
If U-shaped devices with lower base are used, then panel positioning is achieved, but blind holes must be created deeper in the base weakening the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device is extracted from the base structure and positioned in a surface groove rather than being embedded deep within the base. This eliminates the need for deep blind holes and preserves base structural integrity while maintaining positioning functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for maintaining the position of a panel (101) of a piece of furniture with respect to a base (102) of the same piece of furniture comprises a main body (2) extending along an axis of extension (A) thereof and having an external side wall (5). The side wall (5) has a first portion (6) and a second portion (7), at least in part, projecting to a greater degree with respect to the first portion (6) according to a radial direction (R) with respect to the axis of extension (A) in such a way that the main body (2) is rotatable between a first operating position and a second operating position. In particular, the part of the second portion is the part projecting to a greater degree with respect to the rest of the second portion (7) at least at the lower end (3). A further object of the present patent application is a method for assembling a piece of furniture in which the aforementioned device (1) is used.