Split-Tongue Mitered Corner Connection for Wood-Based Panel Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mitered corner connections in furniture and panel assemblies lack sufficient strength and stability, particularly in thin wood-based materials, and are difficult to assemble, often requiring additional masking strips for aesthetics and requiring forces that can lead to material breakage or poor connections.
Innovation Solution
A locking tongue and groove connection system with a split tongue and groove design, where the tongue has a slit deviating from the center line and is cut free on one side, and the groove has a protruding lip, providing enhanced flexibility and support, allowing for improved locking strength and ease of assembly while minimizing material breakage and the need for masking strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional locking tongue and groove connection is used for mitered corners, then the assembly process is simplified, but the connection strength and stability are insufficient, especially in thin wood-based materials
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, with each segment capable of independent deformation. This segmentation allows the tongue to flex and adapt to the groove during assembly, distributing mechanical stresses across multiple points rather than concentrating them at a single location, thereby enhancing overall connection strength while maintaining ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the tongue and groove profiles, including varying the thickness, curvature, and engagement depth along different sections. These parameter changes optimize the mechanical interlocking characteristics, allowing the connection to maintain strength while accommodating the flexibility needed for easy assembly of thin wood-based materials
2Device complexity
If conventional tongue and groove profiles are used, then the design is simple, but additional masking strips are required for aesthetic purposes, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove profiles are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural connection, ensuring aesthetic appearance without masking strips, and facilitating easy assembly. The interlocking geometry itself creates a clean, finished appearance at the mitered corner, eliminating the need for separate masking components while maintaining design simplicity
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional locking connections are used, then the structure is rigid, but forces required for assembly can lead to material breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove connection incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition from a flexible state during assembly to a rigid state after assembly. The profiles are designed to yield and deform during the insertion process, requiring minimal assembly force, and then lock into a rigid interlocking configuration that provides structural stability in the assembled state
Data Source
AI summary
Composed element, with at least two wood-based panel-shaped elements; wherein said panel-shaped elements can be coupled to each other at an angle and with a miter joint by means of a locking tongue and groove connection; wherein the tongue consists of a split tongue, with thus at least a first tongue portion and a second tongue portion, as well as a slit situated there between; characterized in that said slit, seen in cross-section, globally extends according to a direction which deviates from the direction of the center line of the panel-shaped element on which the tongue is provided.