Floor Panel Locking Mechanism with Rounded Tongue and Segmented Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor panel designs with snap-in hooks arranged vertically do not ensure secure locking, especially on resilient surfaces like carpet, as they can be dislodged when stepped on, causing the panel to twist and lose locking engagement.
Innovation Solution
A floor panel design featuring a rounded tongue underside with constant curvature over 90° for easy pivoting and sliding, along with a step-like milled relief on the second side edge providing spatially separate locking locations and a dust pocket channel for improved locking and dust management, incorporating a shoulder with a horizontally oriented head surface for prestressing and enhanced locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If snap-in hooks are arranged vertically one above the other, then the panel structure is simple, but the locking reliability deteriorates on resilient surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two spatially separate locking locations on the second side edge: one for transverse direction locking and one for vertical direction locking. This segmentation ensures that each locking location can independently perform its locking function without interfering with the other, thereby maintaining reliable locking on resilient surfaces while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If snap-in hooks are pressed in during laying movement, then the laying process is straightforward, but the locking engagement deteriorates when stepped on
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-plane locking mechanism to a three-dimensional locking system with locking locations distributed in space. The first locking location engages in the transverse direction while the second locking location engages in the vertical direction, creating spatially separated locking points that prevent panel twisting and maintain engagement under load.
3Ease of operation
If the panel is angled slightly relative to the corresponding panel, then the panel can be inserted, but the panel twists out when stepped on
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded design of the tongue underside with constant radius of curvature prepares the panel for easy pivoting into the groove during installation. This preliminary geometric preparation allows smooth insertion while the subsequent engagement of two spatially separated locking locations prevents twisting and maintains stability under load.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor panel is bounded in a horizontal plane by a top side, which is provided with a decorative layer, and an underside, which is provided for bearing on an underlying surface. The floor panel is provided with connecting structure for the releasable connection of at least two panels. The connecting structure is formed on at least one first side edge such that locking takes place in the transverse direction and vertical direction. A form-fitting element for locking in the vertical direction with a further panel is formed on a second side edge, which runs at an angle to the first side edge. A tongue is formed on the first side edge, the tongue extending in the longitudinal direction of the side edge, and a recess, corresponding to the tongue, is formed on an opposite side edge.