Dovetail Tongue-and-Groove Panel Connection for Offset-Free Wood Flooring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor panel connection technologies, particularly those using Velcro fasteners and elastic materials, fail to provide a stable and offset-free surface covering, especially in wood-based materials, due to moisture-related deformations and differing expansion coefficients between wood and plastic.
Innovation Solution
A panel connection design featuring a dovetail-like tongue-and-groove system with a trapezoidal cross-section, where the second locking means form a tongue-and-groove connection with a semicircular projection and concave blocking seat, creating dilation gaps to accommodate moisture changes and ensure stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Velcro fastener elements are used to connect floor panels, then the connection can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the connection becomes unstable and offsets occur on the visible surface due to elasticity and moisture-related deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two distinct locking means: a first locking means (locking lip with groove) and a second locking means (locking element with projection). This segmentation allows each locking mechanism to perform a specific function - the first locking means provides easy engagement while the second locking means ensures stable connection and prevents offset, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to engage with complementary geometries (locking lip with groove, locking element with projection) creating a composite mechanical connection system. This composite structure combines the advantages of both locking mechanisms to achieve both ease of assembly and stable, offset-free connection
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic materials are used in the connection system, then the connection can accommodate some deformation, but the elasticity makes it difficult to achieve a stable connection and offsets occur
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the connection system have different mechanical properties. The locking lip and groove provide a rigid mechanical interlock for stability, while the locking element with projection provides controlled engagement. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the system to achieve both adaptability and stability without relying on elastic materials that cause offset
3Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive tapes or surfaces are used to increase the elasticity of Velcro elements, then the fastener elements become more elastic, but they remain fundamentally unable to ensure the stability of the panel connection in the vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive-based mechanical fastening system (Velcro with adhesive tapes) with a pure mechanical interlocking system consisting of locking lips, grooves, and projections. This mechanical substitution eliminates the reliance on adhesive elasticity while providing superior vertical stability through the geometric interlocking of the locking means
4Adaptability or versatility
If different expansion coefficients of wood material and plastic are taken into account, then the material selection becomes more complex, but the Velcro elements remain fundamentally unable to ensure the stability of the panel connection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are designed to be integrated with the wood-based panel material itself, creating a homogeneous connection system. The locking lip, groove, and projection are formed as part of the panel structure, eliminating the need for separate plastic Velcro elements with different expansion coefficients. This homogeneity ensures that the connection system expands and contracts uniformly with the wood material, maintaining stability
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a
AI summary
The plate-shaped rectangular building panel (100) has a visible surface (11), where a base surface (12) lies opposite to visible surface. An outer side wall of a head piece (48) passes in a grading or a groove. The lower surface is bound by an outer side wall and an outer opposite inner side wall of the head piece.