Hooked Tongue-and-Groove Flooring Locking for Horizontal Interlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking arrangements for flooring systems, particularly those with tongue-and-groove designs, require angled insertion and separate locking mechanisms for sides and ends, limiting geometry and installation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hooked-tongue and groove locking arrangement that allows for horizontal interlocking, enabling the same mechanism to be used for both sides and ends of flooring elements, eliminating the need for angled insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tongue-and-groove locking arrangements are used, then flooring elements can be interlocked, but angled insertion is required which limits geometry and increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the side locking and end locking mechanisms into a single integrated hooked-tongue and groove system. The hooked tongue geometry allows the same locking arrangement to function for both longitudinal side edges and transverse end connections, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and simplifying installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooked-tongue locking arrangement is designed to be universal, serving multiple functions: it locks both side edges and end connections of flooring elements using the same mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for different locking arrangements for different orientations, reducing overall system complexity.
2Shape
If angled insertion is required for tongue-and-groove locking, then interlocking is achieved, but flooring element height is limited to avoid interference
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the tongue at an angle and rotating downward as in traditional designs, the hooked tongue is inserted horizontally and engages with the groove through a hooking action. This inverted insertion approach eliminates the height limitation caused by angled interference while maintaining secure locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from angular/rotational insertion in one plane to horizontal insertion in a different dimensional approach. The hooked tongue engages the groove through horizontal movement and rotational hooking, changing the insertion dimension to eliminate height constraints while achieving reliable interlocking.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate locking arrangements are used for sides and ends, then specific geometric requirements are met, but manufacturing requires multiple tools increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hooked-tongue locking arrangement is designed as a universal system that performs both side locking and end locking functions. This versatility allows manufacturers to use a single tool for creating hooked tongues on all perimeter edges of flooring elements, eliminating the need for separate tools for different locking arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of side locking and end locking into a single hooked-tongue mechanism. This merging of functions allows the same manufacturing tool to create the necessary geometry for both longitudinal and transverse interlocking, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention is directed to non-metallic flooring elements having a hooked-tongue and groove locking arrangement. Advantageously, the subject invention allows for horizontal interlocking, with no angled introduction needed. As a result, the same locking arrangement can be used for the sides and the ends of the flooring element. This allows for the use of two tools for manufacturing about the perimeter of the flooring element—one tool for the hooked-tongue element and one tool for the groove.