Floor Panel Vertical Locking Profile Absorbs Upward Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floorboard joining systems, particularly the 'fall-down' or 'push-down' connection methods, face issues such as damage to decorative layers due to incorrect handling of accessories and limited ability to absorb upward forces from uneven floors, leading to unstable connections.
Innovation Solution
A profiled strip with flexible and inflexible vertical locking means made from materials like PVC, PP, and PE, featuring oblique sides and V-shaped projections/recesses, which allow for secure vertical and horizontal locking without damaging decorative layers, and can absorb upward forces from floor unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the snap connection method is used to join floorboards horizontally, then the connection can be achieved, but accessories and hammer are required and the hammering force may cause damage to the decorative top layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional snap connection approach by using a vertical push-down motion instead of horizontal hammering. The tongue of one floorboard is pushed vertically downward onto the groove of the adjacent floorboard, reversing the direction of the joining force and eliminating the need for hammering that damages decorative surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hammering system with a direct vertical pushing mechanism. Instead of using a hammer and accessory to force floorboards together horizontally, the system uses a simple vertical push-down motion that directly engages the locking mechanism without intermediate tools.
2Ease of operation
If the fall-down or push-down connection method is used to join floorboards vertically, then accessories and hammer are not required, but the connection can absorb only small upward forces caused by unevenness of the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resilient element that can deform elastically under load. This dynamic component allows the connection to absorb upward forces by compressing the resilient element, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic one that can accommodate floor unevenness while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining rigid floorboard materials with a resilient element. This composite approach integrates materials with different mechanical properties - the rigid floorboards provide structural strength while the resilient element provides flexibility to absorb upward forces from uneven floors.
3Strength
If inserts made from different material than the floorboard are used to increase connection strength, then the force with which floorboards are joined is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism and the resilient element into a single integrated structure formed as one piece with the floorboard. This unified design eliminates the need for separate inserts or additional components, achieving increased connection strength without adding device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated component that simultaneously provides structural support, locking mechanism, and resilient force absorption. This universal element performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components, maintaining simplicity while enhancing strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a new floor or wall panel with improved coupling means and is aimed at offering a solution for the drawbacks of the "fall down" joining system.