Interlocking Outdoor Panels With Built-In Drainage Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor panels used for floor and wall coverings are laborious to install and prone to water accumulation, leading to visual displeasure and safety hazards due to puddling and moss formation.
Innovation Solution
The panels feature interlocking coupling profiles on edges that allow adjacent panels to be connected without separate fastening clips, incorporating drainage segments to facilitate water flow and enhance stability, with optional support structures for added security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fastening clips are used to attach panels to support structure, then panels can be securely fastened, but installation becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling profile integrates multiple functions into a single component: it attaches the panel to the support structure, provides interlocking with adjacent panels, and eliminates the need for separate fastening clips. This merging of functions directly reduces installation time while maintaining secure fastening through the integrated coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling profile serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a fastening element, an interlocking mechanism, and a structural connector. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate clips and other fastening components, thereby reducing installation complexity and time requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panels are installed in exterior environments, then outdoor floor covering is achieved, but water accumulates on surfaces forming puddles
Solution Approach 1:
The panel edge is segmented into distinct functional zones: coupling profiles for interlocking and drainage segments for water management. The drainage segments create dedicated pathways that separate water drainage function from the structural coupling function, enabling efficient water flow while maintaining panel stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage segment acts as an intermediary element between the panel surface and the support structure. It facilitates water flow from the panel surface through to the support structure, preventing water accumulation on the outdoor surface while allowing the panel to maintain its structural integrity for outdoor applications.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coupling profiles are placed close together for secure interlocking, then panel stability is improved, but material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling profiles are strategically positioned at specific locations along the panel edge where interlocking is most needed, rather than being uniformly distributed. The drainage segments are placed in gaps between coupling profiles to provide water drainage functionality without requiring additional structural elements, optimizing the balance between stability and weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage function is extracted from the coupling profile structure itself and placed in separate drainage segments. This extraction allows the coupling profiles to be optimized for interlocking stability while the drainage segments handle water management, preventing the need to increase coupling profile density or size for dual purposes.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If water drainage function is added to panels, then water flow is facilitated, but panel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The panel edge structure is segmented into distinct coupling profiles and drainage segments. This segmentation allows the drainage function to be implemented as simple, discrete elements rather than a complex integrated system. The drainage segments are straightforward structural features that can be manufactured easily and provide effective water drainage without significantly increasing overall panel complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel for composing a floor covering or wall covering. A panel system including at least one panel. A method of composing a covering, in particular a floor covering, by using a panel system.