Locking Hook Panel Joint Geometry for Leak-Resistant Flooring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel connections are prone to breakage and leakage due to stress concentration at the transition of the locking hook, which can lead to damage and liquid penetration, compromising the integrity and functionality of the panel connection.
Innovation Solution
The panel design incorporates an obtuse angle between the locking hook and the end face, enhancing flexibility and elasticity, and includes a labyrinth seal with alternating receiving pockets and locking lugs to increase the path length for liquid penetration, thereby improving fracture resistance and leak-proofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the locking hook projects at a right angle from the panel body, then the connection structure is simple, but stress concentration occurs at the transition area leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hook is designed to project at an obtuse angle (greater than 90 degrees) relative to the panel body end face, rather than at a right angle. This asymmetric angular design redistributes the stress distribution pattern, eliminating stress concentration at the transition area while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle parameter of the locking hook projection is changed from 90 degrees to an obtuse angle (greater than 90 degrees). This parameter modification alters the mechanical stress distribution, reducing stress concentration at the transition area between the locking hook and panel body, thereby improving fracture resistance without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the end face is perpendicular to the panel body, then the manufacturing is simple, but liquid can easily penetrate to the underside of the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The end face is designed with an asymmetric inclination relative to the panel body, forming an obtuse angle with the locking hook rather than being perpendicular. This asymmetric geometry creates a sloped surface that actively directs liquid away from the joint area, preventing liquid penetration to the underside while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The end face is inclined in the thickness direction of the panel, introducing a dimensional change from a perpendicular configuration. This angular orientation in the thickness dimension creates a flow path that directs liquid laterally away from the joint, effectively preventing liquid penetration without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking hook is rigid and stable, then the connection is strong, but it cannot accommodate bending stresses and is prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The angular parameter of the locking hook projection is changed to an obtuse angle, which fundamentally alters the stress distribution pattern. This parameter change allows the rigid structure to better accommodate bending stresses by distributing loads more favorably, preventing stress concentration while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The obtuse angle design pre-configures the stress distribution to cushion against bending stresses that occur during installation and service. By anticipating the bending loads, the geometry is optimized in advance to distribute these stresses evenly, preventing the breakage that would occur with a right-angle configuration.
4Ease of manufacture
If the joint plane is flat and perpendicular, then the assembly is simple, but the liquid flow path is short allowing easy penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The joint geometry is modified by inclining the end face in the thickness direction, creating a three-dimensional flow path for liquid. This dimensional change extends the liquid flow path length by directing liquid laterally along the inclined surface, preventing easy penetration to the underside while maintaining simple assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint area is effectively segmented into multiple zones by the inclined end face geometry. The liquid must navigate through a longer, segmented path along the inclined surface rather than taking a direct perpendicular route, thereby preventing liquid infiltration without complicating the assembly process.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
Disclosed is a panel (10) for covering a surface of a room, having a panel element (12), which extends in a longitudinal direction (14) and a transverse direction, for transferring use loads introduced from a top side (18) of the panel element (12) to a bottom side (20) of the panel element (12) facing the surface of the room, wherein the top side (18) is spaced from the bottom side (20) in a thickness direction (16), and having a locking hook (24), projecting from the panel element (12) in the longitudinal direction (14), for latching into a receiving groove (44) of another panel (10), wherein an end face reference plane (40) of an end face (30) of the panel element (12) extending away from the locking hook (24) is inclined relative to the thickness direction (16), thereby forming an obtuse angle with the locking hook (24). The obtuse angle between the locking hook (24) and the end face reference plane (40) allows for a seep-resistant and fracture-proof (10) panel.