Displaceable Tongue Floor Panel Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking systems for floor panels face challenges in achieving strong and durable vertical locking without snap resistance, which can lead to separation forces and reduced locking strength over time, especially when using flexible tongues that require expensive reinforcement materials like glass fibers.
Innovation Solution
A displaceable tongue locking system with a sidewardly open tongue groove and displacement groove, where the tongue is displaced vertically and outwardly, eliminating the need for snap action and utilizing inclined surfaces and flexible elements to ensure secure vertical locking without contact with the strip panel's sharp edge, and can be injection-molded for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible tongue is used in the mechanical locking system, then the locking system can accommodate panel misalignment and facilitate installation, but the tongue requires expensive reinforcement materials like glass fibers to maintain durability and locking strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the tongue by providing it with a specific flexible configuration that allows bending and displacement during installation to accommodate panel misalignment, while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through optimized geometry rather than expensive reinforcement materials
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue is designed as a dynamic element that can displace vertically and outwardly during the locking process, transitioning from a flexible state during installation to a locked position where it maintains joint stability without requiring glass fiber reinforcement
2Strength
If snap action is used in the locking system, then strong vertical locking is achieved, but separation forces are generated that reduce locking strength over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the harmful snap action that generates separation forces, replacing it with a gradual displacement mechanism where the flexible tongue bends and moves outward to engage the locking groove, achieving strong vertical locking without the detrimental rebound forces that compromise long-term reliability
3Strength
If the tongue contacts the sharp edge of the strip panel, then mechanical interlocking is achieved, but the sharp edge contact creates stress concentration and reduces locking durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the flexible tongue acts as a mediator between the panels, displacing outward to engage the locking groove without direct contact with sharp edges, thereby achieving mechanical interlocking while avoiding stress concentration and durability issues
4Reliability
If glass fiber reinforcement is used in the tongue, then locking strength and durability are improved, but production complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves the necessary strength and durability through changes in the tongue's geometric parameters and flexible configuration rather than material reinforcement, eliminating glass fiber addition and associated production complexity while maintaining locking reliability
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
The system provides automatic vertical locking without separation forces, maintaining locking strength over time and allowing for easy installation and flexibility, even with panels having straight edges, using cost-effective materials and reducing production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The displaceable tongue is configured to be displaced into the tongue groove when the tongue and the strip pressing surface are displaced vertically against each other to obtain the vertical locking
Data Source
AI summary
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a vertical locking system on short edges comprising a displaceable tongue that is displaced in one direction into a tongue groove during vertical displacement of two panels. The displaceable tongue may be provided in a sidewardly open displacement groove at an edge of a building panel, the displaceable tongue including a main body extending along the edge of the panel and a tongue locking surface located at an upper and outer part of the tongue.