Elastic Floor Panel Coupling for Tight-Space Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laminated floor coverings require significant force and space for coupling, which can lead to damage and make installation challenging in confined areas.
Innovation Solution
The floor panel design features specifically formed coupling parts that deform elastically to facilitate easy and durable coupling, using upward and downward tongues and grooves, and locking elements that engage resiliently to secure the panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid coupling parts are used to connect floor panels, then the coupling is strong and stable, but the coupling process requires great force and can cause permanent damage (breakage)
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling parts are designed with elastic properties, changing the material parameter from rigid to resilient. This allows the coupling parts to deform during the coupling process, reducing the peak force required and preventing breakage, while still providing strong and stable connection when coupled.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic coupling parts inherently provide cushioning before the coupling is fully established. The resilient material absorbs shock and distributes force during the coupling process, preventing sudden impacts that could cause damage to the floor panels or underlying structure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional coupling mechanisms are used, then the connection is durable, but a relatively large amount of space is required to enable mutual coupling
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material parameter to elastic/resilient, the coupling mechanism can achieve durable connection with reduced spatial requirements. The elastic deformation allows the tongues and grooves to engage more compactly without requiring large movement amplitudes, enabling coupling in confined spaces near walls or under radiators.
3Ease of operation
If resilient locking parts are used to facilitate easy coupling, then the coupling process is simplified, but material fatigue occurs relatively quickly reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses elastic coupling parts with optimized material properties that balance resilience for easy coupling with sufficient strength for long-term reliability. The elastic material is selected to provide adequate deformation capability for simple coupling while maintaining fatigue resistance for durable service.
4Device complexity
If conventional coupling parts are used, then the structure is simple, but friction between coupling parts generates relatively much noise
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material parameter to elastic, the coupling parts can deform to accommodate minor misalignments and irregularities during coupling. This reduces friction and sliding between the coupling surfaces, thereby reducing noise generation while maintaining the overall simplicity of the coupling structure.
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 design allows for simple, reliable, and durable coupling of floor panels with minimal noise, while also providing a strong and stable connection that resists vertical displacement and expansion.
Implementation Method 1
During coupling of adjacent floor panels a force will here be exerted on one or both coupling parts, whereby the one or both coupling parts will deform elastically (move resiliently), as a consequence of which the volume taken up by the downward groove and/or upward groove will be increased
Implementation Method 2
By subsequently allowing the forced coupling parts to move back resiliently to the original position a reliable, locked coupling will be realized between the two coupling parts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The last ten years has seen enormous advance in the market for laminate for hard floor covering. An important aspect during the product development of the laminate is the facility with which a laminated floor can be laid. The invention relates to an improved floor panel, in particular a laminated floor panel.