Set of panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture assembly technologies require tools for assembly and disassembly, and the locking mechanisms are complex and costly to manufacture, lacking ease of use and increased locking strength.
Innovation Solution
A set of panels with a single-piece locking device featuring a flexible element and locking pin that moves between a locking and mounting position, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly, and is easy to manufacture, comprising a cylinder with a flexible lever and locking projections for enhanced locking strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mechanical locking device with multiple components is used to connect panels, then the locking strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking pin, flexible element, and cylinder into a single integrated locking device component. This merging of multiple functional elements into one piece reduces device complexity while maintaining the locking mechanism's effectiveness through the coordinated interaction of its integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional zones within a single piece: the cylinder portion for insertion, the flexible element for actuation, and the locking pin for engagement. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while remaining part of a unified structure that is simpler to manufacture than multi-component alternatives.
2Strength
If a complex locking device with multiple parts is used, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the locking pin, flexible element, and cylinder into one integrated component, the patent enables the entire locking device to be manufactured in a single production process. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps required for multi-component locking devices, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining locking strength.
3Strength
If a traditional locking mechanism requiring tools is used, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to be self-actuating through the flexible element that automatically engages the locking pin with the groove when the panel is inserted. The flexible element's inherent elasticity provides the necessary actuation force without requiring external tools or manual intervention, enabling tool-free assembly while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element introduces dynamic behavior to the locking mechanism, allowing it to flex and adapt during the insertion process. This dynamic characteristic enables the locking pin to automatically engage with the groove through elastic deformation, providing ease of operation while ensuring reliable locking engagement.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece locking device is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the locking strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully merges multiple functional elements into a single piece without compromising locking strength. The integrated design ensures that the locking pin, flexible element, and cylinder work together as a unified system, distributing mechanical loads effectively across the single component and maintaining adequate locking strength despite the simplified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is made from a material that combines sufficient elasticity in the flexible element region with adequate strength and rigidity in the locking pin and cylinder regions. This composite-like material properties distribution within a single piece enables the device to maintain locking strength while being manufacturable as one component.
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
Facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of panels without tools, while providing strong locking and reducing manufacturing costs due to a simplified design, enhancing user experience and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible element is configured to, when flexed in a first direction, move the locking pin from a locking position to a mounting position and to, when flexed back, move the locking pin from the mounting position to the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a locking device and a set of panels, including a panel and an adjacent panel, wherein the panel includes a groove and at least a first 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 and a second hole that is configured to be arranged at the opening when the first edge is arranged in the groove, and the panel includes a locking device configured to lock the first edge of the adjacent panel in the groove of the panel, wherein the locking device includes a locking pin and a flexible element, the flexible element is configured to move the locking pin from a locking position to a mounting position and to, when flexed back, move the locking pin from the mounting position to the locking position.