Floor Panel Locking System with Slide Lock and Flexible Tongue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking systems for floor panels face challenges in locking strength, material costs, and reliability, particularly in preventing displacement of short edges due to friction changes caused by swelling and shrinking of wood-fiber based materials, and require complex production processes that result in waste.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking system with a 'slide lock' mechanism on long edges that allows horizontal locking without displacement, using a tongue and groove system with flexible materials and inclined locking surfaces, and a separate flexible tongue for vertical locking of short edges, reducing the need for protruding strips and hooks, thereby enhancing locking strength and reducing material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical locking systems with protruding strips and hooks are used, then locking function is achieved, but material costs increase and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the protruding strip and hook elements from the locking system, retaining only the essential tongue and groove components. This extraction of unnecessary elements simplifies the production process while maintaining the core locking function through the inherent geometry of the tongue and groove interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue and groove structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vertical locking engagement, horizontal positioning, and friction-based stabilization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protruding strips and hooks, reducing both material usage and production complexity while maintaining reliable locking strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wood-fiber based materials are used for floor panels, then natural appearance and feel are achieved, but friction changes due to swelling and shrinking cause unreliable locking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system incorporates dynamic friction-based engagement that adapts to dimensional changes in the wood-fiber based materials. The tongue and groove interface maintains continuous contact through friction, automatically adjusting to swelling and shrinking movements without compromising locking reliability, allowing the use of natural materials while ensuring consistent performance.
3Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to prevent short edge separation, then locking strength is improved, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, easily manufactured tongue and groove structure that replaces complex locking mechanisms. This simplified design reduces material consumption and waste during production while maintaining sufficient locking strength through the optimized geometry of the tongue and groove interface, eliminating the need for additional reinforcing elements.
4Strength
If flexible materials are included in locking systems, then locking strength is improved, but uncontrolled inclusion causes production complexity and potential defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible materials specifically in the friction-based engagement zones of the tongue and groove interface, where they provide enhanced locking strength. The flexibility is localized to specific regions rather than being uniformly distributed, allowing precise control over where the flexible material is included, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving improved locking performance.
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 proposed locking system provides reliable, tool-free locking and unlocking of floor panels in any position, prevents short edge separation due to humidity changes, and maintains locking strength over time, while being cost-effective and efficient in production, with reduced material usage and no uncontrolled inclusion of flexible materials in active locking surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The locking system may comprise a friction element which is located on the upper part of the locking element and which cooperates with a friction groove. The friction groove may comprise a flexible material. The friction element may be made of a material which has a high friction coefficient.
Implementation Method 2
A compressible material may be applied in the locking groove. The compressible material may be applied in the locking groove in order to compensate for swelling and shrinking of wood-fiber based materials.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1f
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3f
AI summary
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a vertical folding locking system on short edges that only locks vertically and a mechanical locking system on long edges that prevents displacement along the long edges.