Floor Coupling Structure for Bowed Offset Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor elements with coupling edges and coupling elements, such as those described in WO 97/47834 A1 and WO 2011/085306 A1, can be difficult to couple when bowed, especially in offset configurations, due to height differences and increased stress on the coupling elements, which can lead to breakage or damage.
Innovation Solution
The floor element features a board with edges provided with coupling elements, including a male part and a female part, where the female part has an enlarged vertical inlet opening, allowing for easier engagement of the male part even when the floor elements are bowed. The ratio of the vertical breadth of the inlet opening to the thickness of the board is greater than 0.4, facilitating coupling in offset installations and providing a secure locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If floor elements are made with rigid materials and decorative layers, then strength and durability are improved, but coupling difficulty increases when bowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the coupling elements, specifically increasing the vertical breadth of the female part's inlet opening to more than 0.4 times the board thickness. This parameter modification allows the coupling elements to accommodate height differences caused by bowing while maintaining the strength and rigidity of the floor element structure.
2Shape
If floor elements are installed in offset configuration, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but coupling elements are highly solicited and may break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the coupling elements, specifically increasing the vertical breadth of the female part's inlet opening to more than 0.4 times the board thickness. This parameter modification allows the coupling elements to accommodate height differences caused by bowing while maintaining the strength and rigidity of the floor element structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If coupling elements have small inlet opening, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates when bowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the coupling elements, specifically increasing the vertical breadth of the female part's inlet opening to more than 0.4 times the board thickness. This parameter modification allows the coupling elements to accommodate height differences caused by bowing while maintaining the strength and rigidity of the floor element structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A floor element for forming a floor covering, wherein the floor element comprises a board having edges provided with coupling elements adapted to cooperate with coupling elements of an adjacent similar floor element in said floor covering wherein the coupling elements comprise at least one male part and at least one female part said male part being positioned along a first edge and protruding outwardly beyond an upper edge at said first edge, said female part being positioned along a second edge and extending inwardly beyond an upper edge at said second edge to thereby form a recess for at least partially receive the male part, wherein said recess comprises an inlet opening having a vertical breadth, with the characteristic that the ratio between the vertical breadth and the thickness of the board is more than 0.4.