Decorative Panel Edge Forming via Machined Reference Datum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing decorative panels with lowered edge areas face challenges such as inaccurate processing, removal of desired edge dimensions, and deformation issues, particularly when dealing with materials having lowered areas, leading to defects and inefficiencies in achieving the desired design.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a discontinuous pressing operation with a press having a pressing mold and machined reference edges to create consistent and repeatable lowered edge areas, where the substrate is pre-heated and the transparent layer is embossed separately to maintain embossing resolution and minimize springback, allowing for precise control over the formation of lower edge areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If larger slabs, boards or sheets are provided with lowered areas first, then the lowered edge areas can be formed on the material, but further processing becomes troublesome and may lead to removal of the entire lowered area or incorrect dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of lowered edge area dimensionsVSAvoiddifficulty of further processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The reference edge is machined at a predefined distance from the edge of the slab before the lowered areas are formed. This preliminary reference marking enables precise positioning during subsequent cutting and processing operations, ensuring that the lowered edge areas maintain correct dimensions even after the slab is divided into panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The machined reference edge acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the lowered area formation process and the subsequent panel division process. This reference edge provides a stable, measurable datum that guides accurate cutting and positioning, resolving the conflict between forming lowered areas and maintaining processing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If milling profiled edges to the panels is performed, then edge profiling can be achieved, but similar undesired results occur with removal of lowered areas or incorrect dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofiled edge shapeVSAvoidaccuracy of lowered edge area dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference edge is established before any edge profiling or panel division occurs. This preliminary reference allows subsequent milling operations to be performed with accurate positioning, ensuring that both the profiled edge shape and the lowered edge area dimensions are achieved correctly without interference between operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If the forming of lowered areas requires high deformation in the substrate, then the lowered edge areas can be formed, but resulting defects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelowered edge area formationVSAvoiddefects in substrate
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The method changes the approach by introducing a reference edge at a predefined distance rather than relying on high deformation processes. This parameter change in the manufacturing approach reduces substrate deformation and associated defects while still achieving the required lowered edge area shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method ensures accurate and repeatable formation of lower edge areas, reducing defects and deformation, and allows for the creation of decorative panels with precise dimensions and design features, such as wood-like patterns, while maintaining the embossing resolution and minimizing springback.

Implementation Method 1

The forming of said lowered areas may require high deformation in the substrate of the slab, board or sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

said transparent layer may also be provided with excavations for example for the imitation of wood pores

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmbossing:

Data Source

PatentEP4477429A1Method for manufacturing a decorative panel and decorative panel obtained thereby
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 UNILIN BVBA
  • EP4477429A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4477429A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4477429A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Method for manufacturing a decorative panel, comprising at least: - providing a board material (17) with a substrate (7) and a top layer comprising a printed pattern (8) and a transparent layer (9); - providing one or more lowered areas (6A) in said board material (17); - further processing said board material (17) into one or more of said decorative panels (1), wherein at least a portion of said one or more lowered areas (6A) forms a lower edge area (6) at one or both edges (2-3) of a pair of opposite edges of said decorative panels (1); characterized in that said one or more lowered areas (6A) are provided at least by means of a press (23) having a pressing mold (22), wherein at least one reference edge (19-21) is machined at least to said substrate (7), wherein said reference edge (19-21) is at a predefined distance (D1-D2) from at least one edge of said pair of opposite edges (2-3).