Floor Panel Locking Lip Elasticity via Groove Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing laminate flooring panels have inadequate elasticity adjustment capabilities due to the geometry of the elasticity groove, leading to suboptimal locking performance.
Innovation Solution
The elasticity groove is partially filled with a filling compound, such as silicone or acrylate-based foamed adhesives, allowing for adjustable elasticity of the locking lip, which can be tailored by varying the degree of foaming and selection of different compounds along the groove's length, enhancing the locking mechanism's flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the elasticity groove geometry is used to set the elasticity of the locking lip, then the locking mechanism can be formed with simple structure, but the elasticity adjustment capability is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a filling compound into the elasticity groove to modify the elasticity of the locking lip. The filling compound changes the physical parameters of the locking mechanism, enabling adjustable elasticity without fundamentally altering the structural design. This allows the same groove geometry to achieve different elasticity levels through material property modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the locking lip material with a filling compound (such as adhesive or foam) within the elasticity groove. This creates a composite structure where the filling compound enhances the elasticity characteristics of the locking lip, providing better adjustment capability while maintaining the overall structural integrity and simplicity of the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If the elasticity groove is filled with filling compound to improve elasticity adjustment, then the locking performance is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the elasticity groove with adequate depth and geometry before filling it with the filling compound. This preliminary preparation ensures that the groove is ready to receive the filling material in a controlled manner, simplifying the subsequent filling process and ensuring consistent results. The groove design anticipates the need for filling and is optimized for this purpose from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling compound acts as an intermediary material between the groove structure and the locking lip functionality. It mediates the interaction between the rigid groove geometry and the required elastic behavior, providing a flexible medium that can be adjusted to achieve the desired locking performance while protecting the underlying structural components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deeper elasticity groove is used to increase elasticity adjustment range, then the elasticity can be better controlled, but the locking lip strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to compensate for the strength reduction caused by deeper grooves. The filling compound reinforces the locking lip structure within the groove region, providing additional structural support that prevents excessive weakening. This allows the groove to be deeper for better elasticity control while the filling material maintains the necessary strength through material reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the material properties within the groove through filling compound insertion. This changes the effective parameters of the locking lip, allowing deeper grooves to be used without proportionally reducing strength, as the filling material alters the stress distribution and structural characteristics of the groove region.
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 enables a secure and adaptable locking system that tolerates higher extraction forces, ensures stable connections between panels, and allows for material savings while maintaining flexibility during installation, with the filling compound hardening slowly to achieve a durable bond.
Implementation Method 1
The elasticity groove is at least partly filled with at least one filling compound. The elasticity of the locking lip can thus be set by suitable introduction of a filling compound.
Implementation Method 2
the filling compound is an at least partly foaming filling compound in order to be able to adjust the elasticity of the locking lip suitably
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a panel of a flooring system, in particular a laminate floor, with a first side edge, and with a second side edge which is arranged opposite the first edge, wherein the side edges can be locked with corresponding side edges of further panels, wherein the side edges can be brought into engagement with each other, wherein the first side edge is fitted with at least one locking lip, and with an elasticity groove adjacent to the locking lip, wherein the second side edge is fitted with a locking element and wherein the locking element in the locked state is in engagement with the locking lip. To be able to set the elasticity of the locking lip more satisfactorily, it is provided that the elasticity groove is at least partly filled with at least one filling compound.