Floor Panel Locking System Vertical Folding Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor panel locking systems face challenges with separation issues during installation, particularly with vertical folding, where the friction between long edges is insufficient to prevent displacement of short edges, leading to complicated installation processes and potential damage to the locking system.
Innovation Solution
The development of enhanced locking systems for both long and short edges, featuring increased friction mechanisms, such as additional contact points and friction means like protrusions or chemicals, to maintain the alignment of long edges during vertical folding, thereby preventing separation of short edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible tongue is used for vertical locking during vertical folding installation, then vertical locking capability is improved, but separation pressure is generated that pushes short edges away from each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating friction means at the long edges before the vertical folding installation process begins. This friction (through protrusions, chemicals, or increased contact points)预先 counteracts the separation pressure that will be generated by the flexible tongue during installation, preventing the short edges from being pushed away from each other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a counterweight principle by introducing friction forces at the long edges that balance and counteract the harmful separation pressure generated by the flexible tongue. The friction acts as a counterbalancing force that prevents the short edges from separating during the vertical folding process
2Stability of the object's composition
If friction between long edges is increased to prevent separation, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional contact points or friction means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating friction-enhancing features (protrusions, chemicals, or additional contact points) specifically at the long edges where they are needed to prevent separation. This localized approach increases alignment stability without requiring the entire locking system to be more complex
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the locking system into distinct functional zones: the long edges are equipped with friction means for preventing separation, while the short edges maintain their vertical locking function with the flexible tongue. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, managing overall system complexity
3Object-generated harmful factors
If three actions are combined simultaneously during installation (pressing forward, displacing sideways, and angling down), then separation is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing friction at the long edges before the installation process begins. This preliminary friction means is already in place to counteract separation pressure, eliminating the need for installers to perform complex coordinated actions and simplifying the installation process to basic vertical folding
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 solution simplifies the installation process by ensuring that short edges remain connected, reducing the risk of damage to the locking system and allowing for more precise and reliable vertical folding of floor panels, even with panels cut to smaller sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the friction between long edges is insufficient to prevent displacement of short edges
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Floor panels (1, 1', 1") are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges (5a, 5b, 4a, 4b) allowing installation with vertical folding and where the long edge (5a, 5b) locking system prevents separation of the short edges (4a, 4b) during the folding action.