Compressible Locking Element for Floor Panel Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for connecting floor panels face issues with positive-locking connections being difficult to insert, risking damage and gap formation under horizontal tensile forces, leading to an unacceptable visual appearance and potential disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A compressible locking element in the vertical direction and incompressible in the horizontal direction, which allows for secure locking in both horizontal and vertical directions by forming an intermediate space for decompression and engaging with vertical locking edges, preventing gap formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positive-locking connection is used to connect floor panels, then the locking mechanism can secure panels in place, but the insertion becomes difficult and requires force that may damage the locking groove or locking element
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-compressed before insertion into the locking groove. This preliminary compression allows the element to be inserted more easily without requiring excessive force during installation, while still achieving secure locking once in place
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element changes its physical state from compressed to decompressed during insertion. By altering the compression parameter, the element can be easily inserted in compressed state, then automatically decompresses to engage securely with the locking groove
2Reliability
If oblique locking faces are used on the locking element and locking groove, then the locking mechanism can function, but horizontal tensile forces cause the locking to release and gaps to form at the upper side of panels
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element features asymmetric geometry with a broader base and tapered sides. This asymmetric design allows the element to be compressed easily during insertion, then resist horizontal tensile forces effectively in the locked position, preventing gap formation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element has a curved or rounded cross-sectional shape rather than flat surfaces. This curvature allows for easier compression during insertion while providing superior resistance to horizontal tensile forces, maintaining locking stability without gap formation
3Ease of operation
If the locking element is compressed during insertion, then it can be inserted into the locking groove, but the friction during insertion requires excessive force and risks damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-compressed to a controlled degree before insertion. This preliminary compression reduces the friction and resistance encountered during insertion, allowing the element to slide into the locking groove with minimal force
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with compressible material properties that allow it to be pre-compressed like a cushioning element. This beforehand compression reduces impact and friction during insertion, preventing damage to the locking groove and element
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
Ensures a secure, play-free connection that absorbs high tensile forces horizontally and maintains the integrity of the locking mechanism, preventing gap formation and enhancing the visual appearance of the panel connection.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is compressible in the vertical direction and incompressible in the horizontal direction
Implementation Method 2
the locking element is compressible in the vertical direction and incompressible in the horizontal direction, which allows for secure locking in both horizontal and vertical directions by forming an intermediate space for decompression
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device for locking two interconnected floor panels that are identically embodied and includes a core, an upper side and a lower side, and a first lateral edge (I) and a second lateral edge (II) opposite the first lateral edge. On the upper side, the first lateral edge (I) of the first floor panel abuts against the second lateral edge (II) of the second floor panel. A horizontal groove extending into the core is embodied in the second lateral edge (II), with an upper wall, an inner wall and a lower wall, the lower wall being formed from a lower lip projecting on the first lateral edge (I), which, on the outer end thereof, has a projection that is oriented towards the upper side and has a first locking edge, and at least one locking element is inserted in the region of the connection point of the two floor panels. An outwardly projecting spring is provided on the second lateral edge (II), and includes a step forming a spring tip on the outer end thereof, and on the end thereof facing the core, a second locking edge extending in the vertical direction (V), the locking edge being the outer wall of a vertical groove open towards the lower side, in which the projection engages. The locking takes place, in the vertical direction, by means of the spring tip engaging in the horizontal groove, and in the horizontal direction, by means of the locking element supported on the first locking edge of the projection and on the second locking edge of the spring. The disclosure is characterised in that the locking element is compressible in the vertical direction (V) and not compressible in the horizontal direction.