Flexible Tongue Floor Panel Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical locking systems for floor panels require complex installation methods, often involving tools and resulting in low locking strength and high production costs, especially when attempting to lock all four sides vertically and horizontally with precision.
Innovation Solution
A vertical folding locking system utilizing a flexible tongue fixed in a tongue groove, which allows for easy installation without tools, strong vertical locking, and precise alignment of panels, while reducing material and production costs through a simple and cost-effective fixing method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mechanical locking systems are used to lock all four sides vertically and horizontally, then locking strength is improved, but installation complexity and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible tongue element that can bend and deform to enable tool-free installation. The tongue is designed with specific flexibility characteristics allowing it to be inserted into the groove by hand and then lock securely, resolving the contradiction between strong locking and easy installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the tongue material to achieve optimal flexibility. By selecting materials and dimensions that provide the right balance of rigidity and flexibility, the system achieves strong locking capability while maintaining ease of manual installation without tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical locking systems are used to achieve precise alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the tongue, the groove, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tongue acts as an intermediary element between the panel edges, providing both alignment and locking functions. This single intermediary component replaces complex multi-element systems, achieving precise alignment without increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If separate tongue components are used to achieve vertical locking, then locking reliability is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tongue and groove features directly into the panel manufacturing process. By integrating these elements into the panel production rather than assembling separate components, the system achieves reliable vertical locking while reducing production costs through process integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue-groove mechanism serves multiple functions: vertical locking, horizontal alignment, and friction-based securing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing production costs while maintaining or improving 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 enables efficient, tool-free installation of floor panels with high precision and strong vertical locking, maintaining panel alignment and stability across varying humidity levels, and is suitable for panels with high friction materials or tight fits.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible tongue is designed to be resilient so that during locking the flexible tongue can be displaced two times. The first displacement is effected by the vertical folding... The second displacement is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by bending of the flexible tongue.
Data Source
AI summary
Floor panels (1, 1′) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having a flexible tongue (30) in a displacement groove (40), which during a vertical folding motion is displaced. Moreover, a tongue blank (50), a production method and an installation method are shown.