Building Panel Mechanical Locking for Damage-Free Edge Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building panels with mechanical locking devices risk damaging adjacent panels during assembly due to improper alignment of edge portions, particularly when folding or vertical displacement occurs.
Innovation Solution
The mechanical locking device is designed to allow for parallel displacement of edge portions during assembly, using guiding and impact surfaces to maintain alignment and prevent damage by ensuring edge portions remain in a common vertical plane, reducing the risk of overlap or interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vertical displacement or folding is used to lock adjacent building panels, then the panels can be securely locked in position, but damage may occur to the edge portions or front surfaces during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and locking groove are designed to engage in a predetermined sequence during assembly. The locking element first enters the locking groove to establish horizontal alignment, then vertical locking occurs. This preliminary engagement prevents misalignment damage before the main locking force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary component between adjacent panels. It features an outer portion that interfaces with the locking groove and an inner portion that connects to the panel, mediating the connection and distributing forces to prevent damage to critical surfaces.
2Reliability
If the locking element directly engages with the locking groove during vertical displacement, then secure locking is achieved, but misalignment may cause damage to edge portions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking groove and locking element are designed so that horizontal engagement occurs before vertical displacement. The locking element first slides into the locking groove laterally, establishing precise alignment, then the vertical locking action secures the connection without risking misalignment damage.
3Device complexity
If conventional mechanical locking devices are used without alignment features, then device complexity is reduced, but damage risk during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function and locking function are merged into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking element simultaneously provides horizontal alignment through its outer portion engagement with the locking groove and vertical locking through its inner portion connection, eliminating the need for separate alignment features.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of building panels, such as floor or wall panels, having a mechanical locking device at opposite first and second edge portions configured for horizontal locking of similar or essentially identical panels in an assembled position by means of displacement in an engagement direction, such as a vertical direction, of the second edge portion of a second panel relative the first edge portion of an adjacent first panel. The second edge portion has a locking groove configured to receive a locking element of the first edge portion of an adjacent first panel by means of the displacement. An outer portion of the locking element, such as in a horizontal direction transverse the first edge portion, is configured to cooperate with an inner portion of the locking groove for positioning, such as horizontal positioning, respective upper edge portions of the first and second edge portions during assembling.