Split Tongue Corner Connection for Particle Board Furniture Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angled connections in furniture, particularly in flat-pack furniture, face limitations due to the brittleness of particle board and the limited optimization possibilities offered by traditional tongue and groove profiles, which are prone to breaking and require separate metal connection elements.
Innovation Solution
A composed element featuring a split tongue with a slit, where one side of the slit deviates from the main direction, allowing for enhanced strength and elasticity, enabling a locking mechanism that can be turned into a groove for secure angle connections without external metal elements, optimizing the coupling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tongue and groove profiles are used in particle board, then the connection can be realized, but the profiles are prone to breaking due to material brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue is divided into two separate parts by introducing a slit, creating a first part and a second part. This segmentation allows the first part to provide locking function while the second part provides structural support, preventing breaking in brittle particle board while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tongue are given different properties: the first part has locking parts for engagement while the second part is optimized for structural integrity. The slit is positioned to create optimal stress distribution, with at least one side deviating from the main direction to enhance local strength where needed
2Strength
If separate metal connection elements are used, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function and structural support function are merged into a single integrated tongue structure made from the panel material itself. The split tongue design combines the locking parts in the first part with the structurally reinforced second part, eliminating the need for separate metal connection elements while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The panel-shaped element's own material is used to create the tongue structure with locking parts, allowing the material to serve both as the panel and as the connection element. This self-service approach eliminates external metal connectors and simplifies the overall connection structure
3Ease of manufacture
If the slit side follows the main direction, then manufacturing is simple, but elasticity and optimization possibilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The slit is designed with at least one side that deviates from the main direction, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetry provides new geometric parameters for optimizing the coupling between tongue and groove, enhancing elasticity and adaptability while remaining manufacturable through standard routing or milling processes
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
This solution provides a robust and efficient angle connection that reduces material breakage risks, allows for smoother assembly, and eliminates the need for separate metal connectors, enhancing the structural integrity and assembly ease of furniture components.
Implementation Method 1
the slit, seen in cross-section of the tongue, comprises at least one side, the course of which, seen in cross-section, deviates from the main direction belonging to the tongue... offering new possibilities for optimizing such coupling... enhances strength and elasticity
Data Source
Figure 1~7
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AI summary
Composed element which comprises at least two panel-shaped elements (2), which, by means of a locking tongue and groove connection, can be coupled to each other at an angle, whether directly or indirectly by means of an intermediate piece, wherein said connection comprises, at least at one of the panel-shaped elements (2), a tongue (15) or groove (16), which can cooperate with a groove (16) or tongue (15) provided on the other panel-shaped element (2) or on the intermediate piece; wherein the tongue (15) consists of a split tongue (15), with, thus, at least a first part (21) and a second part (22), as well as a slit (23) located there between; and wherein at the outer side of at least said first part (21), a locking part (17) is present, characterized in that the slit (23), seen in cross-section of the tongue (15), comprises at least one side (24, 25), the course of which, seen in cross-section, deviates from the main direction (D1) belonging to the tongue (15).