Floor Panel Inclined Buttress Joint and Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor coverings with flat edges are aesthetically compromised by visible gaps, and their locking mechanisms lack durability and stability, especially when subjected to moisture-related expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a panel with inclined abutting surfaces and a locking mechanism featuring a spring-loaded locking tongue and groove system, where the lower contact surface is parallel to the panel surface, and the locking spring has a rising area at its ends, allowing for easier pivoting and minimizing gap visibility and dirt penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If panels are joined with flat edges to create a smooth floor surface, then the floor surface appears uniform and continuous, but visible gaps form between panels due to expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The edge of the panel is segmented into multiple functional zones: a chamfered edge portion that forms a V-groove, an abutting surface for joint formation, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function - the chamfer conceals gaps while the abutting surface creates a tight joint
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional flat edge to a three-dimensional chamfered edge with multiple surfaces. The V-groove created by the chamfer adds depth dimension, allowing gaps to be positioned at the bottom of the groove rather than on the visible panel surface, effectively hiding them from view
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to securely join panels, then joint stability is improved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking spring is designed to automatically engage with the locking groove through elastic deformation. The spring's free end abuts against the groove, and when panels are joined, the spring naturally deflects and locks into place without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes elastic deformation of the spring as the key parameter change. The spring transitions from a relaxed state to a deflected state, utilizing material elasticity to provide both the locking force and the simplicity of the mechanism
3Reliability
If panels are designed to expand and contract freely to accommodate moisture changes, then durability is improved, but relative movement between panels creates gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing panels to move relative to each other within a controlled range. The spring can deflect and the locking groove can slide along the spring, accommodating expansion and contraction while maintaining the locked connection
Solution Approach 2:
The locking spring acts as an intermediary element between the two panels. It absorbs the relative movement caused by expansion and contraction, allowing panels to move freely while the spring maintains the mechanical connection and prevents gap formation
4Ease of operation
If the locking spring is positioned at an angle for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but the contact surface area with the groove is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is pre-positioned at an angle during installation to facilitate easy insertion. The locking spring is oriented to allow the panel to be approached at an angle, and then the panel is pivoted into the final horizontal position, achieving both ease of installation and full contact surface area
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 enhances the appearance of floor coverings by reducing gap visibility, improves locking mechanism durability, and accommodates panel expansion and contraction without transferring significant forces, ensuring a stable and gap-free surface.
Implementation Method 1
the locking spring has a rising area at its ends, allowing for easier pivoting
Implementation Method 2
the lower contact surface of the locking spring can transfer forces acting from above into the equally flat bearing surface of the lower groove wall
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a panel with at least one pair of complementary locking means (2, 2') on opposite panel edges (1, 1'), wherein the locking means (2, 2') are designed as positive-locking retaining profiles (3, 3') with a locking groove (4) or with a complementary locking spring (5), wherein the panel surface (S, S') has an edge chamfer (K1, K2) at least at the edge of one of the retaining profiles (3, 3'), with the proviso that the retaining profile (3, 3') with the edge chamfer (K1, K2) is provided with an upper buttress surface (8, 9) below the edge chamfer (K1, K2), and the complementary retaining profile (3, 3') is provided with a complementary upper buttress surface (8, 9) arranged substantially parallel to it, and wherein the two buttress surfaces (8, 9) in contact with each other form a butt joint (T) can be produced where - the butt joint (T) is inclined relative to the panel surface (S, S'), and for this purpose one of the butt surfaces (8,9) is associated with a spring (5, 20) and is inclined downwards in the direction of the free end of the spring (5, 20) and the complementary upper contact surface (8, 9) is associated with a groove (4, 21) and is inclined downwards in the direction of the bottom of the groove (4, 21).