Hook-Form Panel Locking With Curved Surfaces for Rupture Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hook profiles in panel systems, particularly those made from artificial wood materials, are prone to rupture when subjected to horizontal forces, compromising the locking mechanism's strength and stability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed panel system features hook profiles with inclined locking surfaces and detent engagement points that enhance the locking mechanism's resilience, utilizing materials like HDF, MDF, OSB, WPC, or plastics with specific elasticity, and incorporating design features such as detent projections and depressions to ensure secure engagement and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hook profiles are used in panel systems, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but the profiles are prone to rupture under horizontal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The hook profiles are designed with curved engagement surfaces instead of straight or angular geometries. The receiving hook features a curved inner side that forms an engagement surface, and the arresting hook has a corresponding curved engagement surface. These curved surfaces distribute horizontal forces more evenly across the contact area, preventing stress concentration that leads to rupture while maintaining strong locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the geometric parameters of the hook profiles, specifically the angle and curvature of the engagement surfaces. The inner side of the receiving hook's engagement surface is inclined at a specific angle relative to the panel plane, and the arresting hook's engagement surface is correspondingly angled. These parameter changes optimize the force distribution and engagement mechanics to prevent rupture under horizontal loading.
2Strength
If the hook profiles are made rigid to prevent rupture, then strength is improved, but elasticity and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system employs different material properties in different regions. The hook profiles themselves are designed with specific geometric features that provide rigidity where needed for strength, while the surrounding panel material maintains elasticity for comfort. The curved engagement surfaces concentrate the structural requirements locally, allowing other areas to remain compliant and comfortable underfoot.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes composite construction where the hook profiles are integrated into the panel material (such as HDF, MDF, or WPC). This composite structure allows the hook profiles to provide the necessary rigidity and strength for locking and rupture resistance, while the overall panel material maintains its elastic properties for comfort and noise reduction. The composite design enables simultaneous optimization of both strength and comfort characteristics.
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
The enhanced hook profiles provide improved stability and resistance to horizontal forces, ensuring secure locking and reducing the risk of rupture, while also offering elasticity for comfortable feel and noise reduction, suitable for use in floor coverings and wet rooms.
Implementation Method 1
a lower detent engagement point is provided which comprises a first detent means which is arranged on an outer side of the receiving edge and which forms a detent projection, and which comprises a second detent means which corresponds to said first detent means and which forms a detent depression
Implementation Method 2
both the upper locking surface and the lower locking surface are each inclined relative to the perpendicular to the panel top side such that, in the locked state, said lower locking surface and upper locking surface are oriented parallel to one another and can make contact
Data Source
AI summary
A panel may include a panel top side and a panel underside having complementary holding profiles which are provided in pairwise fashion on the panel margins, wherein a first holding profile pair is equipped with a groove profile and a tongue profile, wherein the groove profile and the tongue profile of identical panels can be locked together by means of a pivoting joining movement, and wherein a second holding profile pair is equipped with hook profiles, specifically with a receiving hook on one panel margin and with an arresting hook on the opposite panel margin, wherein the receiving hook has a receiving edge directed toward the panel top side and a receiving groove open toward the panel top side, and the arresting hook is equipped with an arresting edge which is directed toward the panel underside and with an arresting groove which is open toward the panel underside.