Glueless Composite Panel Coupling Using Segmented Edge Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite panel assemblies require glue for connection, leading to long production times, risk of contamination, and difficulty in disassembly, while glueless connectors demand additional assembly effort and can be costly.
Innovation Solution
A composite panel assembly method using coupling means with divided edge strips that engage in grooves, allowing for robust, durable connections without elastic parts, enabling quick assembly and disassembly without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive connections with wooden dowels are used to connect panel elements, then the connection durability is improved, but the production time increases due to drying time and the complexity of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive substance from the connection system entirely, extracting the harmful element (glue) that causes contamination and long drying times. Instead, it uses a mechanical coupling system with tongues and grooves that achieves durable connections without adhesive, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical interlocking system. The coupling means consisting of tongues and grooves create a purely mechanical connection that transfers loads through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for drying time and adhesive application steps.
2Strength
If adhesive connections are used to connect panel elements, then the connection strength is improved, but the risk of surface contamination with glue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adhesive substance from the connection process entirely, eliminating the source of surface contamination. The mechanical coupling system achieves strong connections through interlocking geometries and friction without any glue that could contaminate visible surfaces.
3Reliability
If glued composite panels are assembled, then the connection durability is improved, but the disassembly becomes impossible without destroying the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into separable mechanical components (tongues and grooves) that can be assembled and disassembled repeatedly. This modular coupling system maintains durable connections during use but allows easy separation when needed, enabling repair and reconfiguration without destruction.
4Ease of repair
If detachable furniture connectors with screw bolts are used to connect panel elements, then the disassembly capability is improved, but the assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-aligning coupling system where the tongue and groove geometries automatically guide the panel elements into correct positioning during assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized tools, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining easy disassembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetric tongue and groove geometries that provide directional guidance and automatic alignment during assembly. The asymmetric shapes ensure proper orientation without requiring complex positioning procedures, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining detachability.
5Strength
If overtightened connecting means are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the internal thread may break out within the panel element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded screw-bolt system with a friction-based mechanical interlocking system. The tongue and groove connection relies on friction forces and geometric interlocking rather than threaded engagement, eliminating the risk of thread breakout while maintaining connection strength through proper frictional contact.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a glueless composite panel which comprises a first panel element A and a second panel element. The two panel elements A are connected together via coupling means (2) that extend in each case parallel to a longitudinal direction x of a first end side (5) of the first panel element A. As coupling means (2), a first groove (6) is arranged on the first panel element A on the first end side (5) thereof, said groove being delimited by a tongue (7) and an edge strip (8) that is set back with respect to the tongue (7). The first edge strip (8) is in this case subdivided into individual first strip sections (8a). By contrast, the second panel element has corresponding coupling means such that in the coupled state of the two panel elements A the first strip sections (8a) and second strip sections of the second panel element undercut one another at least regionally. In this case, the respective strip sections (8a) are arranged in a groove (6) of the other panel element A in each case. In order to couple the two panel elements A, the coupling means (2) thereof are moved towards one another and locked together by way of a subsequent relative movement of the two panel elements A in the opposite direction.