Flooring Connector Retainer for Fast Vertical Panel Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular flooring systems with snap fit connections are difficult to install and maintain, especially when laid over uneven surfaces, as they tend to disconnect under load, and require additional locking covers that complicate the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A flooring element with a female connector and a retainer that can move between open and closed positions, allowing for quick and secure connection of male connectors without the need for separate fastening hardware, and can be pre-installed for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a lateral sliding tongue and groove connection is used, then the panels can be connected together, but the installation becomes difficult and time consuming because individual panels must be connected sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection direction from lateral (horizontal) to vertical (downward insertion). The male connector is inserted vertically into the female connector from above, allowing multiple panels to be connected simultaneously rather than sequentially, thereby improving installation productivity and ease of operation
2Productivity
If a vertical insertion connection is used to overcome sequential installation issues, then installation speed improves, but the panels become susceptible to disconnecting when load forces them vertically apart
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to be movable between open and closed positions. During installation, it is in the open position to allow vertical insertion of the male connector. After connection, it rotates to the closed position to lock the connector, preventing vertical disconnection under load. This dynamic mechanism maintains both installation speed and connection reliability
3Reliability
If secondary locking covers are added to prevent panel separation, then connection stability improves, but the installation process becomes complicated and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is integrated as part of the female connector assembly rather than being a separate locking cover. It combines the functions of allowing insertion (when open) and preventing disconnection (when closed) into a single component that is already attached to the female connector, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the installation process while maintaining connection stability
4Reliability
If secondary locking covers are used to secure connectors, then connection stability improves, but installation time increases due to additional fitting steps
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-attached to the female connector in the open position, ready for immediate use. During installation, the male connector can be inserted vertically without any additional locking steps, as the retainer automatically transitions to the closed position to secure the connection. This eliminates the time-consuming step of fitting separate locking covers after connection
Data Source
AI summary
A flooring element suitable for connection to other elements in a flooring system. The flooring element comprises a body, a female connector and a retainer. The body defines a connector surface that is horizontal when in use. The female connector comprises a connector recess which is suitable for receiving a male connector and also which defines a connector opening in the connector surface. The retainer is connectable to the body such that, while it is connected to the body, the retainer is movable between and open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the retainer is arranged to restrict movement of the male connector to guard against the male connector exiting the connector recess through the connector opening. When in the open position, the retainer does not restrict movement of the male connector thereby permitting the male connector to exit the connector recess through the connector opening.