Interlocking Panel Edges for Herringbone Assembly and Compact Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel systems require extensive material waste due to long junctions and lack of efficient locking mechanisms, especially when forming complex patterns like herringbone, and are difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A panel system with dual locking elements and guiding surfaces allowing vertical and horizontal displacement/angling motions, featuring multiple locking surfaces and compact junctions, enabling easier assembly and increased locking strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional locking mechanisms are used with separate locking elements for different edges, then locking functionality is provided, but the junction between panels becomes long and material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first locking element is designed with multiple locking surfaces (first locking surface for horizontal locking, third locking surface for vertical locking) that can cooperate with different locking grooves (first locking groove at second edge, second locking groove at third edge) to provide both horizontal and vertical locking functionality. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate locking elements for different edges, reducing material waste while maintaining locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single locking element structure. The first locking element integrates both horizontal locking surface and vertical locking surface, allowing one element to perform multiple locking tasks that previously required separate elements, thereby shortening the junction length and reducing material consumption.
2Reliability
If multiple different locking elements are used for different edges, then comprehensive locking is achieved, but the junction length increases and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first locking element serves multiple purposes by incorporating different locking surfaces that can engage with various locking grooves on different edges. This universal design maintains comprehensive locking capability while simplifying the assembly process, as fewer different types of locking elements need to be handled and installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element features asymmetric locking surfaces oriented at different angles (first locking surface for horizontal engagement, third locking surface for vertical engagement) that are specifically designed to match the geometry of different locking grooves on adjacent panel edges, enabling reliable locking in multiple directions from a single element.
3Adaptability or versatility
If panels are designed to lock only in straight patterns, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to complex patterns like herringbone is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to be universally applicable to different panel arrangements. The first locking element with its multiple locking surfaces can engage with locking grooves positioned at different locations and orientations on adjacent panels, enabling the same locking mechanism to work in both straight patterns and complex patterns like herringbone, without requiring different locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism accommodates dynamic panel orientations and positions. The angled locking surfaces and corresponding grooves allow panels to be locked at various angles and configurations, providing the flexibility needed for complex patterns while maintaining a consistent locking system design throughout the panel structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A set of panels that includes a first panel (41) and a second panel (42) is provided. The first and second panels have a first, second and third edge. The first edge (1) of the first panel (41) is configured to be able to be locked together with both the second edge (2) and the third edge of the second panel (42). The first edge includes a first locking element (4) configured to be able to cooperate with a first locking groove (5) at the second edge (2) and a second locking groove (6) at the third edge for locking in a horizontal direction. The first edge includes a tongue groove (7) configured to cooperate with a tongue (8) at the second edge (2) and a tongue (9) at the third edge for locking in a vertical direction. The first locking element includes a first locking surface configured to cooperate with a second locking surface (11) on the first locking groove (5), for locking in the horizontal and the vertical direction. The first locking element includes a third locking surface (12) which is configured to cooperate with a fourth locking surface (13) on the second locking groove (6) for locking in the horizontal direction.