Floor Panel Locking System Reduces Displacement Friction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vertical snap folding locking systems for floor panels face challenges such as high displacement friction between long edges, unreliable vertical locking, and damage during installation, especially with thin and wide panels, due to insufficient flexibility and guiding in the locking system, leading to gaps and moisture/dirt penetration.

Innovation Solution

The development of a mechanical locking system with enhanced long and short edge connectors, featuring a bendable locking strip and a tongue formed in one piece with the panel core, which reduces friction and allows automatic locking without tools, enabling easy installation and strong vertical and horizontal locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a vertical snap folding locking system is used for floor panels, then automatic locking without tools is achieved, but high displacement friction between long edges occurs causing installation difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic lockingVSAvoiddisplacement friction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the locking system components, specifically the angle and shape of the locking element and locking groove surfaces, to reduce friction during displacement while maintaining locking effectiveness. The locking element is designed with specific angular surfaces that facilitate smoother movement during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the locking system components are made small for vertical snapping, then vertical locking is achieved, but the locking becomes unreliable and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical snappingVSAvoidlocking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction for the locking system components, combining materials with different properties to achieve both the flexibility needed for vertical snapping and the strength required for reliable locking. The locking element and groove are designed with material compositions that provide elastic recovery and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the locking system lacks sufficient flexibility and guiding, then manufacturing is simplified, but damage during installation occurs especially with thin and wide panels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking system fabricationVSAvoidinstallation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the locking system through flexible components that can adapt during installation. The locking strip and related elements are designed with inherent flexibility allowing them to bend and guide themselves into proper engagement, providing self-alignment and damage prevention during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the locking system allows horizontal displacement during vertical snap folding, then automatic locking is facilitated, but gaps may form allowing moisture and dirt penetration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic lockingVSAvoidmoisture and dirt penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the locking function into separate horizontal and vertical components that operate independently but cooperatively. The horizontal locking element and vertical snap folding mechanism are segmented functions that ensure both automatic locking and tight sealing, with each component addressing specific aspects of the locking and sealing 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 solution facilitates automatic locking with reduced friction, allowing for easy installation of floor panels with vertical snap folding, even in thin and wide panels, without the need for tools, ensuring a strong and reliable connection that prevents moisture and dirt penetration.

Implementation Method 1

reduces friction and allows automatic locking without tools

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a tongue in one of the edges that cooperates with a tongue groove in the other adjacent edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11519183B2Mechanical locking of floor panels with vertical snap folding

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 VÄLINGE INNOVATION AB

AI summary

Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel. The floor panels may have a first and a second connector at the long edges that are configured to obtain a minimum of friction facilitating a displacement, by a spring back force from the bending of a short edge locking strip, of a new panel in a horizontal direction along the long edge during the vertical snap folding action.