Displaceable Tongue Locking System for Floor Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking systems for floor and building panels face challenges in maintaining high locking force and flexibility over time, leading to separation forces during folding, and require complex snapping actions that can be costly and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A locking system featuring a displaceable tongue with a locking hook that prevents unlocking, allowing for automatic vertical locking without snap resistance, using a flexible tongue that can be bent in the length direction and includes a pulling extension and inclined pulling protrusion for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a snap connection is used to lock panels horizontally, then locking force is achieved, but the system becomes complex requiring hammer and tapping block to overcome friction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the snapping function from the locking mechanism, separating the horizontal locking element (strip with locking element) from the vertical folding action. The tongue is inserted into the groove and locked horizontally by the strip, while the folding action only affects the tongue's position relative to the groove, eliminating the need for complex snapping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the tongue for vertical engagement, the groove for horizontal positioning, and the strip with locking element for horizontal locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible tongue is bent in length direction for locking, then automatic locking is achieved, but separation forces increase during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from the folding action by introducing a separate horizontal locking mechanism. The tongue can fold vertically for automatic engagement, while the strip with locking element independently secures the horizontal position, preventing separation forces from compromising the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The strip with locking element is pre-positioned to engage with the groove before the folding action completes. This preliminary horizontal locking ensures that when the tongue is bent and folded, the horizontal locking is already in place to prevent separation forces.
3Reliability
If traditional locking systems are used, then locking function is achieved, but material costs increase due to complex snapping actions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter by using a flexible tongue made of polymer material that can be bent and folded without complex snapping mechanisms. This flexible tongue, combined with the groove and strip, achieves reliable locking through simpler geometric engagement rather than force-intensive snapping actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tongue is designed as a simple, inexpensive polymer component that can be easily molded and installed. Rather than using expensive materials or complex mechanisms, the system uses a straightforward geometric locking arrangement that is cost-effective to manufacture and install.
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 enables automatic locking of short edges without snap action, maintaining locking strength and reducing material costs by using a polymer material with injection molding, ensuring consistent performance and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tongue that can be bent in the length direction
Implementation Method 2
a locking hook for preventing unlocking
Implementation Method 3
a pulling extension at its outer part configured to cooperate with a pulling protrusion formed at an edge of the adjacent panel such that the displaceable tongue is pulled out from the displacement groove and into the tongue groove
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
There is disclosed building panels provided with a locking system for vertical locking of a first (1) and a second (1') building panel by a vertical displacement of the building panels relative each other. A displaceable tongue (30) is inserted into a sidewardly open displacement groove (40) provided at an edge of the first building panel, wherein the displaceable tongue is configured to cooperate with a tongue groove provided at an adjacent edge of the second building panel for locking the edge and the adjacent edge vertically. The displaceable tongue comprises a pulling extension at its outer part configured to cooperate with a pulling protrusion formed at the adjacent edge such that the displaceable tongue is pulled out from the displacement groove and into the tongue groove when the edges of the building panels are displaced vertically relative to each other. Moreover, the displaceable tongue comprises a locking hook (34).