Floor Panel Locking with Vertical Folding and Edge Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking systems for floor panels, particularly those with flexible tongues, face significant separation issues during vertical folding or vertical locking, especially at the short edges, leading to installation complications and potential damage to the locking system.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves enhancing the friction between the long edges of the floor panels during the initial angled position to counteract displacement, using various principles such as increasing contact points, contact surfaces, and incorporating friction means like mechanical devices or chemicals to prevent separation of the short edges during vertical folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a flexible tongue is used for vertical locking during installation, then the locking strength is improved, but the short edges separate during vertical folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating friction means on the long edges before vertical folding occurs. This friction counteracts the separation force generated by the flexible tongue during vertical folding, preventing short edge separation before it can occur. The friction means are预先 prepared on the panel surfaces to resist the harmful separation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful separation force generated by the flexible tongue into a beneficial effect. By introducing friction means on the long edges, the separation force is transformed into a useful friction force that presses the long edges together, increasing contact area and preventing short edge separation. The harmful effect is redirected to achieve the desired stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If sideways pressure is applied during installation to prevent separation, then the short edge separation is reduced, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by making the long edges self-frictioning during the natural vertical folding process. The friction means on the long edges automatically generate the necessary friction force to prevent short edge separation without requiring external sideways pressure from the installer. The system serves itself to prevent separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the requirement for sideways pressure from the installation process. By introducing friction means on the long edges, the need for complex three-action simultaneous operation (angling, sideways pressing, and folding) is eliminated. Only simple vertical folding is required, as the friction means take over the separation prevention function.
3Strength
If the flexible tongue is made stronger for better vertical locking, then the locking strength is improved, but the separation pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful separation pressure into a beneficial friction force. The stronger flexible tongue generates higher separation pressure, but this pressure is transformed into useful friction between the long edges through the friction means. The separation pressure is redirected to increase friction and prevent short edge separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preparing friction means on the long edges before the stronger flexible tongue is engaged. This preliminary friction counteracts the increased separation pressure from the stronger tongue, preventing short edge separation while allowing the tongue to provide enhanced vertical locking strength.
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 approach simplifies the installation process by reducing the risk of short edge separation, allowing for reliable and precise connection of panels, even when cut to smaller sizes, and enabling stronger vertical locking without the need for simultaneous sideways pressure during installation.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing the friction between the long edges of the floor panels during the initial angled position to counteract displacement
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Floor panels (1, 1', 1") are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges (5a, 5b, 4a, 4b) allowing installation with vertical folding and where the long edge (5a, 5b) locking system prevents separation of the short edges (4a, 4b) during the folding action.