Deformable Locking Element for Floor Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor panel assemblies face challenges in securely locking adjacent panels without gaps, especially when edges do not move perpendicular to each other, and in maintaining a strong connection during assembly and use.
Innovation Solution
The use of deformable locking elements with hinges and control portions that move from a first to a second position to lock the panels in both directions parallel and perpendicular to the upper side, utilizing a combination of locking surfaces and engagement surfaces to ensure a secure connection, even when panels are folded or angled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid locking mechanisms are used to secure panels, then connection strength is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates due to difficulty in positioning and locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be deformable, allowing it to transition between a first position during assembly that facilitates easy positioning and a second position during use that provides strong locking. The deformable nature enables the locking element to adapt to panel movements while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element changes its physical state from a deformable first position allowing panel insertion to a locked second position providing strong connection. This parameter change enables the same component to satisfy both ease of assembly and connection strength requirements at different stages.
2Reliability
If locking elements are designed to lock in multiple directions, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to perform multiple functions: it locks panels in a first direction perpendicular to the upper side and also locks in a second direction parallel to the upper side. This multi-functional design achieves reliable multi-directional locking without requiring separate locking mechanisms for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single deformable locking element that can lock in both directions. By merging the locking functions into one component rather than using separate locking mechanisms, the design achieves reliable multi-directional locking while minimizing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If deformable locking elements are used to facilitate assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element transitions from a deformable state during assembly to a locked state during use. The deformable first position allows easy panel insertion while the locked second position provides strong connection, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-designed with a deformable first position that facilitates assembly, and after assembly is complete, it transitions to a locked second position that provides strong connection. This preliminary design of the deformable state enables easy assembly without compromising eventual connection strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a floor panel assembly comprising sheet-shaped floor panels, which floor panels are provided with a plurality of edges, a lower side and an upper side. The floor panels are intended to be joined by means of joining members. Each floor panel is provided on at least a first edge with a first joining member and, on a second edge, with a second joining member. The first and second joining members of two panels are adapted to be joined by a movement of the two panels with their first and second edges towards to each other such that in the joined position the panels meet each other near their upper side along a seam. The first and second joining members lock the panels at the adjacent edges at least in a direction perpendicular to the upper side and in a direction parallel to the upper side but perpendicular to the adjacent first and second edges in their joined position. The first and second joining members are provided with at least one deformable locking element which is deformable, during said joining, from a first position allowing the first and second joining members to be joined, to a second position in which it locks the first and second joining members to each other at least in said direction parallel to the upper side.