Panel Interlocking Profiles for Low-Resistance Uncoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panels with vertical interlocking profiles face difficulties in uncoupling, requiring substantial force and risking damage during the uncoupling process, making it cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The panels feature mutually interacting profiles that allow coupling by vertical insertion and uncoupling by a downward angling movement, utilizing complementary profiles with angled interlocking surface areas and optional malleable coatings to facilitate smooth uncoupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If panels are coupled by vertical insertion of mutually interacting profiles, then coupling robustness is improved, but uncoupling becomes difficult and damaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling robustnessVSAvoiduncoupling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a downward angling movement as a new dimension of motion for uncoupling panels. Instead of reversing the vertical insertion direction, the profiles are designed to angle downward during extraction, transforming the uncoupling motion from a linear vertical path to an angular path. This dimensional change in motion allows the profiles to disengage more easily while maintaining strong coupling during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If vertical interlocking profiles are used, then coupling strength is improved, but extraction force required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidextraction force

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the profile geometry adaptive to the motion phase. During coupling, the profiles engage vertically with full interlocking strength. During uncoupling, the downward angling motion dynamically changes the engagement geometry, allowing the profiles to progressively disengage with reduced force requirements. This dynamic adaptation of the interaction geometry resolves the force contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If profiles are designed for robust vertical interlocking, then coupling reliability is improved, but risk of profile damage during uncoupling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidprofile damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach to uncoupling. Instead of pulling upward to reverse the insertion motion, the profiles are designed to angle downward during extraction. This inverted motion direction changes the stress distribution on the profiles, allowing them to disengage from the interlocking position without experiencing the high tensile forces that would cause damage. The downward angling path effectively reverses the force application mode, protecting the profiles while maintaining coupling reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12442195B2Panel, covering, and method of uncoupling two interconnected panels

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 I4F LICENSING NV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a panel suitable as a floor, ceiling or wall panel, which panel is of a planar design having an upper side, a bottom side and side edges. Furthermore, the invention relates to a covering including a plurality of interconnected panels according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method of uncoupling two (or more) interconnected panels.