Decorative Floor Panel Coupling With Inclined Watertight Locks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flooring systems face challenges in creating a secure and watertight connection between panels, particularly in floating parquet flooring, which is difficult to install and maintain, and often results in gaps that allow moisture ingress.
Innovation Solution
A panel coupling system featuring inclined locking elements and contact surfaces that engage with a downward motion, forming a watertight seal and secure connection through interlocking tongues and grooves, with additional locking elements to prevent vertical displacement and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If panels are coupled with traditional tongue and groove systems, then installation is simplified, but the connection is not watertight and allows moisture ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces inclined locking elements that engage at an angle rather than vertically, creating a multi-dimensional locking mechanism. The inclined surfaces of the locking elements and contact surfaces work together to form a watertight seal while maintaining ease of installation through downward motion coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system combines multiple functional elements (tongues, grooves, inclined locking elements, contact surfaces) into a composite structure that simultaneously provides mechanical interlocking, vertical displacement prevention, and waterproof sealing capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If panels are coupled with downward motion, then installation becomes easier, but vertical displacement and instability may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined locking elements are pre-configured in the coupling parts before installation. During the downward motion coupling process, these pre-positioned inclined surfaces automatically engage and lock the panels together, preventing vertical displacement and ensuring stability as part of the installation action itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined locking elements feature curved or angled surfaces that guide the downward motion of panels while simultaneously creating a locking effect. The geometric design of these inclined surfaces ensures that as panels move downward, the locking elements engage to prevent upward or lateral displacement, providing inherent stability.
3Strength
If traditional coupling systems are used, then material deformation is minimized, but creaking and gaps occur allowing moisture ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the coupling system by introducing inclined locking elements with specific angles and curved guiding surfaces. These parameter changes enable the system to minimize material deformation through proper force distribution while simultaneously eliminating creaking and preventing moisture ingress through the watertight seal created by inclined contact surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The last decades have seen enormous advance in the market for flooring for floor covering. It is known to install floor panels on an underlying floor in various ways. The present invention relates to an improved panel, such as a floor panel, in particular a decorative floor panel. The invention also relates to a covering, in particular a floor covering, including multiple interconnected panels according to the invention.