Floor Connector Snap Joint Eliminates Keels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor installation methods, such as those using screws for wood-plastic composite (WPC) floors, are inconvenient, damage the floor, and accelerate deterioration due to rainwater permeation, while also requiring tools and creating unsightly screw holes.
Innovation Solution
A floor connector with a snap joint design that uses symmetrical patterns and snap joint units to connect floor boards without damaging the main body, enhancing strength and bending resistance, and a floor structure that eliminates the need for keels by using a fastening part for dual protection during installation, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to link floor pedestal, then the floor structure is firmly connected, but the appearance is spoiled and installation becomes inconvenient requiring tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a snap joint system. The connector features a first connecting part and second connecting part that engage through elastic deformation and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for screws, drill bits, and other tool-based fastening mechanisms. This substitution maintains connection strength while dramatically improving installation convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful element (screws) from the floor connection system. By designing a dedicated connector component that provides all necessary connection functions through snap joints, the patent eliminates screws entirely from the assembly process, thereby removing the associated problems of tool requirements, appearance damage, and installation complexity.
2Strength
If screws are used to link floor pedestal, then the floor structure is firmly connected, but the screws create fixed screw holes that accelerate floor deterioration through rainwater permeation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates screws from the connection system, thereby removing the source of screw holes that allow rainwater permeation. The snap joint connector achieves firm connection through elastic engagement and geometric interlocking without creating permanent openings in the floor boards, thus preserving floor durability and preventing water-related deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component that provides the connection function without requiring direct penetration of the floor boards. By introducing this intermediate element with integrated snap joint mechanisms, the patent achieves firm structural connection while preventing direct water pathways through the floor surface.
3Reliability
If keels are laid on the ground before paving WPC floors, then dampness and high temperature are prevented, but the installation process becomes more complex with additional working steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the floor connector with the floor board assembly process, integrating the connection and support functions into a single component. The connector's design allows it to simultaneously provide structural connection and environmental protection, eliminating the need for separate keel installation while maintaining protection against dampness and heat through the connector's geometric design and material properties.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the sector of building materials, and more specifically, to a floor connector and a floor with the floor connector. The floor connector includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part used to connect floors, and a supporting part arranged between the bottom surface of the first connecting part and the upper surface of the second connecting part for the purpose of supporting the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The floor includes a main body, a floor pedestal arranged under the main body, and a floor connector used to connect the main body and the floor pedestal. In this solution, the floor can be arranged without a keel, thereby significantly reducing the labor intensity during floor installation. Consisting of three parts, the floor features lightweight and simplification of installation procedure.