Locking Floorboard Connection Base for Thermal Expansion Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floorboard connecting pieces suffer from poor universality, instability, and deformation issues, requiring separate designs for different structures and lacking stability in splicing, especially under temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A floorboard connecting base with a base body, convex parts, and limiting parts forming an installation groove, featuring a semi-enclosed limiting structure and elastic deformation spaces, allowing for stable clamping and locking without glue, and accommodating thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional connecting pieces are used for floorboards with different structures, then separate designs are required for each structure type, but this reduces design efficiency and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different floorboard types (solid wood, engineered wood, laminate) through a standardized interface. The base body with convex part and limiting part creates a generic connection mechanism that works across multiple floorboard structures, eliminating the need for separate designs for each floorboard type.
2Device complexity
If simple connecting pieces are used to reduce complexity, then manufacturing is easier, but the splicing structure becomes unstable and deforms after long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The convex part of the base body features a curved surface that interfaces with the groove in the floorboard. This curved geometry provides stable engagement while accommodating minor misalignments and thermal expansion, preventing deformation over time. The arc-shaped bottom of the first groove also distributes stress to prevent cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting piece is pre-assembled with the floorboard during manufacturing, creating a factory-prepared connection system. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment and bonding before installation, reducing the risk of deformation during use.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If glue-free connection method is used to reduce pollution, then indoor air quality improves, but the connection strength may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface of the convex part increases the contact area and friction between the connecting piece and floorboard groove. This friction-based mechanical connection provides sufficient holding strength without requiring adhesive, maintaining both connection integrity and indoor air quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is pre-formed during manufacturing with precise fitting of the convex part into the groove, ensuring proper alignment and maximum contact area. This factory-prepared connection achieves optimal mechanical interlocking strength before installation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If floorboards are connected rigidly to ensure stability, then structural integrity is maintained, but thermal expansion and contraction causes uplift and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece allows for dynamic movement of the floorboard relative to the base. The groove and convex part interface permits controlled expansion and contraction in the longitudinal direction while maintaining lateral stability, accommodating thermal effects without causing uplift or cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure changes its effective stiffness based on the direction of force. It provides rigid lateral support for structural integrity while allowing longitudinal movement for thermal expansion, achieving both stability and thermal adaptability through geometric design.
5Ease of operation
If manual paving standards are used to allow flexibility in installation, then installation is simpler, but paving errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connecting piece interface provides consistent alignment references that guide floorboard installation. The uniform groove and convex part geometry across all floorboards enables precise fitting without requiring advanced manual alignment skills, maintaining both simplicity and precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a stable, glue-free connection that withstands temperature changes, preventing uplift or cracking, reduces material usage, and simplifies installation with an industrial standard, ensuring smooth assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deformation space of the convex part can be ensured when the first groove is squeezed
Implementation Method 2
it is required to leave enough expansion and contraction space for thermal expansion and contraction of the floorboard
Data Source
AI summary
A floorboard connecting base and a floorboard connecting structure are disclosed in the application. The floorboard connecting base includes a base body, a convex part and a limiting part. The convex part is located at an end of an upper surface of the base body. The limiting part is located at the upper surface of the base body, and is spaced from the convex part to form an installation groove for inserting a floorboard unit, and a free end of the limiting part is bent in a direction towards the convex part to form a step block for limiting the floorboard unit. The floorboard connecting structure according to the disclosure is of a locking type, so it can be paved without glue due to a locking force, which is environment-friendly. A whole structure may extend all around with change of temperature, and there will be no uplift or cracking.