Building Panel Locking Device with Nested Tongue Grooves for Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building panels with mechanical locking systems lack improved sealing and protection against environmental influences, particularly in wet areas, and require a more versatile range of uses while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a locking device with a tongue and edge groove configuration, where the tongue and edge groove cooperate for locking in two directions, and the tongue groove and insertion groove are partially concealed within the edge portions, providing an improved seal and enhanced protection against environmental influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tongue groove and insertion groove are made accessible for locking functionality, then the locking device can be operated, but the seal along the edge portions is compromised and aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue groove and insertion groove are nested within the edge portions of the panels, with the tongues positioned inside the grooves in a locked state. This nesting conceals the locking components within the panel structure, providing sealing and aesthetic protection while maintaining locking functionality through the engagement of these nested elements.
2Reliability
If the tongue groove and insertion groove extend along the entire edge portion, then complete locking coverage is achieved, but the seal and aesthetic appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue groove and insertion groove are provided only in specific localized regions of the edge portions rather than extending along the entire length. This localized approach provides locking functionality where needed while preserving the seal and aesthetic appearance of the remaining edge portion surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Building panels including a first and a second panel and including a locking device. The locking device includes a tongue and an edge groove provided in the second panel and the first panel, respectively, wherein the tongue and the edge groove are configured to cooperate with each other for locking a first edge portion of the first panel to a second edge portion of the second panel in a first direction. The locking device further includes a separate tongue provided in an insertion groove and a tongue groove configured to cooperate with each other for locking the first edge portion to the second edge portion in a second direction. A length of the tongue groove along an edge portion may be smaller than a length of the edge portion. A length of the insertion groove along an edge portion may be smaller than the length of the edge portion.