Floor Panel Joint With Elastic Insert And Bearing Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floor panel joints are not resistant to changes in moisture and temperature, leading to swelling or drying of wood, which causes dimensional changes and potential damage to the panels. Additionally, the use of elastic inserts in these joints can result in bending or warping, making vertical retention difficult.

Innovation Solution

The proposed floor panel joint design includes a longitudinal coupling element with a settling recess and a bearing surface, along with a second vertical retaining assembly in the form of a bearing projection that creates a lower dilatation gap. This design facilitates vertical retention and increases resistance to wood swelling and drying by allowing for preliminary spreading of lower layers, thus preventing damage to the surface layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If elastic inserts are used as the main component of the vertical retaining assembly, then the joint can be assembled, but bending or warping of the elastic inserts occurs during joining

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical retentionVSAvoidelastic insert deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A guiding groove is introduced as an intermediary structure that guides the elastic insert during assembly and prevents bending and warping. The groove acts as a mediator between the elastic insert and the surrounding structure, ensuring proper alignment and preventing deformation during the joining process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic insert is designed as a flexible component that can be guided through a groove structure. The groove provides a protective path that prevents the flexible elastic insert from bending or warping during insertion, while still allowing it to perform its vertical retention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Area of stationary object

If floor panels are joined without adequate dilatation gaps, then the joint is compact, but wood swelling causes local splinter damage to the wood fibres

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint compactnessVSAvoidwood swelling damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding groove is prepared in advance in the floor panel structure, creating a pre-defined path that guides the elastic insert during assembly. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the elastic insert is properly positioned without requiring excessive force that could cause wood swelling or splinter damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding groove is localized at specific positions where the elastic insert needs to pass through. This localized structural feature provides the necessary guidance and protection only where needed, maintaining overall joint compactness while preventing damage at critical points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the elastic insert is guided without a groove structure, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the elastic insert bends or warps during joining

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegroove fabricationVSAvoidelastic insert shape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding groove is segmented into portions that can be formed using standard machining operations. The groove is created as a discrete feature in the floor panel, allowing it to be manufactured separately and then assembled with the elastic insert, balancing manufacturing complexity with functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 joint design enhances the stability and precision of the floor panel connection, reducing the width of the upper dilatation gap and protecting against deformation of the elastic insert, thereby ensuring effective vertical retention and resistance to moisture-induced swelling.

Implementation Method 1

a first vertical retaining assembly for the floor panels to be joined, in the form of an elastic insert placed between the floor panels to be joined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4271898B1A joint of floor panels

Publication Date: 2025.02.19 BARLINEK SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

A floor panel (1) is joined by its long edge (2) to a short edge (4) of an adjacent floor panel (1') by means of the said first vertical retaining assembly (10) in the form of an elastic insert (21), placed via sliding in a guiding groove (22) between the floor panels (1, 1') to be joined and extending from a side surface (5) below the short edge (4) and by means of a second vertical retaining assembly (10'), placed below the first vertical retaining assembly (10), in the form of a bearing protrusion (27) extending from a bearing surface (26). A bearing surface (27) is positioned partially in a groove (28) formed in a bearing surface (18) of the adjacent floor panel (1' ), the bearing protrusion (27) being an integral part of the floor panel (1) and having a height (30) greater than the size of the lower expansion joint (29), and furthermore, a longitudinal coupling element (7) has an upwardly extending vertical projection (11) placed in a settling seat (16) below the guiding groove (22) of the elastic insert (21).