Flexible Bristle Tongue Locking for Low-Friction Floor Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking systems for floor panels, particularly those with flexible tongues, suffer from inadequate locking at the end of the tongue, inconsistent displacement resistance, and high installation friction due to production tolerances, which complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A displaceable tongue with bendable protrusions extending in the horizontal plane and an essentially straight outer edge, allowing for consistent displacement resistance and reduced friction during installation, facilitated by a production method such as injection molding, which can be cut into shorter tongues with uniform properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible tongue is used for vertical locking, then installation flexibility is improved, but locking reliability at the end of the tongue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue is segmented into multiple protrusions along its length, with each protrusion providing independent locking contact points. This segmentation ensures that locking reliability is maintained along the entire tongue length, including at the end, while preserving the flexible tongue's installation advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the tongue are given different properties: the tongue body remains flexible for easy installation, while the protrusions (particularly at the end) are designed with specific geometries to provide reliable locking. The protrusions may have varying shapes, sizes, or material properties to optimize local locking functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If production tolerances are present, then manufacturing ease is improved, but displacement resistance consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue protrusions are designed with specific geometric parameters (dimensions, angles, curvatures) that compensate for production tolerances. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system maintains consistent displacement resistance even when manufacturing variations occur, bridging the gap between ease of manufacture and precision.
3Reliability
If the tongue has a complex shape to improve locking, then locking reliability is improved, but installation friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue protrusions incorporate curved surfaces and rounded geometries instead of sharp edges. These curved surfaces reduce contact friction during installation while maintaining effective locking engagement. The curvature allows smoother insertion and movement during the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue is designed to be flexible and dynamically adaptable during installation. The protrusions can deform elastically to accommodate variations in the locking groove geometry, reducing friction and installation force requirements while ensuring reliable locking engagement.
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
The solution provides reliable vertical locking along the tongue's entire length, reduces installation force requirements, and ensures consistent displacement resistance, enhancing the installation process by minimizing friction and allowing for more efficient and reliable panel connections.
Implementation Method 1
A first long edge of the tongue comprises at least two bendable protrusions extending essentially in the horizontal plane and bendable in the horizontal plane
Data Source
AI summary
Floor panels which are provided with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable tongue in a displacement groove. The tongue is moulded and provided with bendable protrusions. A building panel having an edge portion provided with a groove, in which a tongue formed as a separate part is received, wherein the tongue includes at least two bow shaped protrusions at a first long edge of the tongue, and wherein the protrusions are arranged bendable in the groove.