Floor Panel Joint with Inclined Covering Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for floor panel joints are complex and require various types, leading to complications during assembly, transport, storage, and manufacture, as they need to accommodate dimensional changes and unevenness while hiding edges and preventing tripping hazards.
Innovation Solution
A joint comprising a covering profile with a hidden face and an exposed face, coupled with a base profile using adjustable coupling elements that allow for different inclinations and elastic deformation, enabling adaptation to panel thickness changes and uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional expansion joints are arranged to enable panel movement, then dimensional variation is accommodated, but the assembly process becomes complicated requiring multiple joint types
Solution Approach 1:
The joint according to the invention combines multiple functions into a single unified structure. The covering profile integrates both expansion joint functionality (allowing panel movement via the play between profile and panel) and transition joint functionality (providing progressive edge coverage via its inclined geometry). This eliminates the need for separate expansion joints and transition joints, resolving the technical contradiction by making one joint type adaptable to multiple requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the previously separate expansion joint and transition joint into a single integrated covering profile. The profile simultaneously provides movement accommodation through its attachment mechanism and edge coverage through its geometric design with inclined surfaces. This consolidation reduces the number of different joint types needed while maintaining both functionalities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transition joints are arranged to cover panel edges progressively, then tripping hazards are prevented, but assembly complexity increases due to multiple joint requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The covering profile serves dual purposes: it acts as an expansion joint allowing panel movement while simultaneously functioning as a transition joint that progressively covers panel edges. The inclined surfaces of the profile provide the progressive coverage needed to prevent tripping hazards, while the same profile structure accommodates dimensional variations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transition joints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various types of joints are prepared at assembly site, then different panel requirements are met, but transport and storage become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The joint design provides a universal solution that satisfies multiple panel requirements through a single joint type. The covering profile can accommodate both expansion needs (through the play mechanism) and transition needs (through its inclined geometry), eliminating the requirement to prepare and manage multiple different joint types at the assembly site.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint accommodates different panel requirements through parameter adjustments rather than different joint types. The play between the covering profile and panel allows for dimensional changes, while the inclined surfaces can be configured for different progression angles. This parametric adaptability replaces the need for multiple fixed-design joint types.
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 simplifies panel placement by allowing for size variation and hidden edge coverage, reducing assembly complexity and enhancing aesthetic appeal by providing a seamless transition over uneven surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling elements allow for elastic deformation, enabling adaptation to panel thickness changes and uneven surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a joint and covering assembly comprising said joint, this joint being for panels (3) for covering floors (4) and comprising a covering profile (1) that has at least one extension (1') with a hidden face (1.1) to be arranged facing the floor (4) and an exposed face (1.2) to be arranged visible; a base profile (2) with a resting face (2.1) to make contact with the floor (4) and a supporting face (2.2) to be arranged facing the hidden face (1.1); and coupling elements for a coupled arrangement between the profiles (1, 2), comprising two coupling portions (2.A; 2.B) according to different angles with respect to the resting face (2.1), and an attachable element (1.A; 1.B) to be coupled in the portions (2.A; 2.B), the attachable element (1.A; 1.B) projecting from the hidden face (1.1). The coupled arrangement can be established such that the exposed face (1.2) has a different inclination with respect to the resting face (2.1) according to the portion (2.A; 2.B).