Ceramic Floor Panel Coupling With Partial Locking Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceramic tile installations require labor-intensive adhesive application and professional expertise, are difficult to replace or repair, and can be challenging to lay due to high friction between heavy panels.
Innovation Solution
A floor element with coupling elements featuring partial locking surfaces and angled joining mechanisms, allowing for easier installation and reduced friction through angled movement, using a support layer made of polymeric or mineral-based materials with strategic locking surface design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adhesive installation method is used, then bond strength and sound attenuation are improved, but labor intensity and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical coupling system (tongue and groove). The tongue element on one panel fits into the groove element on the adjacent panel, creating a mechanical interlock that eliminates the need for adhesive application while maintaining structural integrity and enabling faster installation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If full locking surfaces are provided on all edges, then joint stability is improved, but sliding friction between panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies locking surfaces selectively at specific locations rather than along the entire edge length. The locking surfaces are positioned at the ends of the tongue and groove elements where they are needed for joint stability, while leaving the intermediate portions smooth to reduce friction during the sliding installation process.
3Strength
If heavy ceramic tiles are used, then impact strength and durability are improved, but handling and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove mechanism enables heavy panels to be installed by the panels themselves through their own weight. When one panel is lowered onto the protruding tongue of an adjacent panel, its weight automatically drives the tongue into the groove, creating a self-aligning and self-installing system that reduces manual handling requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor element for forming a floor covering. The floor element has a support layer which is provided with coupling elements on at least a first pair of opposite sides. The coupling elements on the first pair of opposite sides are in the form of a tongue extending along a length of the first edge and a groove extending along a length of the second edge. The tongue is provided with a first locking surface and the groove is provided with a second locking surface, the first and second surfaces being intended to prevent two joined elements from drifting apart in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the joined edge. The first locking surface extends along a portion of portions of the first edge length and/or the second locking surface extends along only a portion of the second edge length.