Two-Section Gluing Body for Thin Lightweight Panel Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a challenge in economically connecting lightweight panels, particularly those with wood-based outer layers, to each other or to other materials due to the insufficient strength of the middle layer, which prevents the use of conventional fasteners and fittings, and existing solutions like massive inserts are not feasible for thinner panels used in furniture construction.

Innovation Solution

A glued body with two sections, one for attaching to the lightweight panel's cover layers and another for attaching to a material body, allowing for a secure adhesive connection without additional fasteners, suitable for panels as thin as 10-20 mm thick, made from various materials like solid wood, fiber materials, or metal, and designed for easy assembly using existing tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional fasteners (round dowels or flat dowels) are used to connect lightweight panels, then the connection strength is improved, but the middle layer of the lightweight panel cannot provide sufficient support, making the fasteners ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidfastener support
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into two functional parts: a reinforcement element embedded in the lightweight panel to provide mechanical support, and a fastener that provides the actual connection. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the reinforcement provides bearing surface while the fastener provides holding strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A reinforcement element acts as an intermediary between the fastener and the lightweight panel. This intermediary component transfers and distributes the mechanical loads from the fastener to the lightweight panel's cover layers, preventing the fastener from failing due to insufficient middle layer support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If massive inserts are used to reinforce lightweight panels for later fitting incorporation, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase, and this approach is not feasible for thinner panels used in furniture construction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement function is extracted from the panel manufacturing process itself and integrated into the connection process. Instead of embedding massive inserts during panel production, the reinforcement element is applied as part of the connection assembly, separating panel manufacturing from connection reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement approach is adapted to change parameters based on panel thickness and application requirements. For thinner furniture panels (10-20mm), smaller and lighter reinforcement elements are used compared to massive inserts, optimizing the balance between connection reliability and weight preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If special lightweight panel connectors and fittings are used, then the connection capability for thin panels is improved, but the assembly effort increases, costs increase, and special tools are usually required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capability for thin panelsVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system uses universal components that can be applied to various lightweight panel thicknesses and materials. The reinforcement element combined with standard fasteners creates a multi-functional solution that works for both thin furniture panels and thicker construction panels, eliminating the need for specialized connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement element is designed to be self-positioning and self-holding within the lightweight panel during assembly. The element's geometry and material properties enable it to automatically align and secure itself without requiring special tools or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables simple and secure gluing of lightweight panels to material bodies, eliminating the need for complex inserts or special fittings, and allows for the connection of thin panels, enhancing assembly efficiency and strength.

Implementation Method 1

a first gluing section (2) for gluing with both cover layers (7a) of the lightweight panel (7) and a second gluing section (3) for gluing with the material body (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3382212A1Gluing body for glueing a lightweight board
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 TECH HOCHSCHULE OSTWESTFALEN LIPPE KORPERSCHAFT DES OFFENTLICHEN RECHTS
  • EP3382212A1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP3382212A1 patent drawingFigure 2~2a
  • EP3382212A1 patent drawingFigure 3~3a

AI summary

The invention relates to glued bodies for gluing a lightweight panel to a material body, the lightweight panel having at least one middle layer arranged between two cover layers. In order to provide a device with which lightweight building boards can be glued together particularly easily, it is provided that the glue body is designed in one piece, has at least two gluing sections, and a first gluing section for gluing with both cover layers of the lightweight building board and a second gluing section for gluing with the Material body is formed.