Interlocking Panel Seams With Integrated V-Shaped Joint Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panel systems lack efficient and aesthetically pleasing methods for interlocking panels to form seamless, V-shaped seams that can accommodate various materials and orientations.

Innovation Solution

A panel system featuring integrally formed interlocks with projections and grooves that allow panels to interlock and form V-shaped seams, accommodating different materials and orientations, including diagonal and non-linear arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional interlocking methods are used, then panels can be joined together, but the seams are not aesthetically pleasing and do not form seamless V-shaped joints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseam shapeVSAvoidinterlock complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking mechanism is divided into two distinct segments: a projection on one panel and a corresponding groove on the adjacent panel. This segmentation allows each panel to maintain its simplicity while achieving the desired V-shaped seam when joined together, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic seam shape and manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking system uses asymmetric geometry where the projection and groove are specifically shaped to create the V-shaped seam appearance. The asymmetric design of the projection-groove interface enables the panels to form aesthetically pleasing V-shaped joints while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple complementary shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If panels are designed to form V-shaped seams, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but the interlocking mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic qualityVSAvoidinterlock structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional interlocking elements (projection and groove) are merged with the aesthetic V-shaped seam formation into a single integrated design. This merging eliminates the need for separate aesthetic components, achieving high aesthetic quality without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The projection-groove interlocking mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection between panels and creates the aesthetic V-shaped seam appearance. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving aesthetic quality without adding separate complexity for aesthetic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If interlocks extend beyond panel slopes, then V-shaped seams are formed, but the interlocking structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveV-shaped seam formationVSAvoidinterlock geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of cutting away material to create V-shaped seams, the design extends the interlocking elements (projection and groove) beyond the panel slopes. This inversion approach—adding material rather than removing it—achieves the V-shaped seam form while maintaining simple interlock geometry that is easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12571216B1Interlocking panels with v-shaped seams

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 WESTLAKE ROYAL BUILDING PROD (USA) INC

AI summary

A panel system includes a first elongated panel including a first slope and an integrally formed first interlock that couples to a second elongated panel via an integrally formed second interlock to form a V-shaped seam where the first slope meets a second slope of the second elongated panel.