Snap-On Furniture Joint Piece for Tool-Free T-Slot Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture connecting systems require multiple operational steps and often necessitate tools, making them cumbersome and inefficient for quick and robust connections.
Innovation Solution
A furniture panel joining system featuring a joint piece with male connectors and a couple item with a pin head, allowing for quick and tool-free connections of furniture panels without compromising robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional furniture connecting systems are used, then connections can be established, but multiple operational steps and tools are required, making the process cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting system is divided into separate functional components: a male connector with insertion guide features and a female connector with receiving features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the assembly process by enabling straightforward insertion without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The male connector is pre-formed with guide ramps and an enlarged head portion that prepare for insertion into the female connector. These preliminary structural features ensure that when the components are brought together, the connection occurs automatically through the pre-designed geometric features, eliminating the need for tools or multiple operational steps during assembly.
2Productivity
If traditional furniture connecting systems are used, then connections can be established, but the process requires tools and multiple steps, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions are merged into a single insertion action. The male connector integrates the insertion guide (guide ramps), the positioning feature (enlarged head portion), and the connection interface all in one component. Similarly, the female connector combines the receiving cavity, locking features, and positioning elements. This merging allows one simple insertion motion to accomplish what traditionally required multiple steps and tools, thereby increasing productivity without adding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting system is designed to be self-servicing during assembly. The guide ramps on the male connector automatically guide insertion into the female connector, the enlarged head portion self-positions within the receiving cavity, and the geometric features themselves provide the connection mechanism. No external tools, adhesives, or additional fastening operations are required—the system performs its own connection function through its inherent structural design, maximizing assembly efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A furniture panel joining system includes a joint piece for connecting a furniture panel. The joint piece has a base body having a male connector to be inserted into T-slot of a furniture panel. The joint piece has a top portion provided with at least one female connector. The female connector is configured for receiving a male member formed by a pin head of a couple item. The couple item is of benefit for attaching a furniture item which in particular includes a wired electronic unit in a quick manner without a need for a tool or glue to the furniture panel.