Magnetic Locking System for Floor Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking systems for floor panels face challenges in reducing separation forces during installation, leading to gaps between short edges, which complicates the installation process and can cause damage, especially when using flexible tongues that bend in the horizontal plane, and vertical push folding systems are difficult to lock wide panels and are inefficient in locking when the first and last rows are installed.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic locking system with a displaceable magnetic tongue that uses a magnet to lock the edges in a second vertical direction, eliminating the need for vertical or horizontal pressure forces during installation and preventing uncontrolled unlocking, by incorporating a tongue-locking device that secures the magnetic tongue in the tongue groove, allowing for easy locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible tongue is used to lock edges vertically, then installation is simplified, but separation forces cause gaps between short edges
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent parts: a flexible tongue for vertical locking and a separate wedge-shaped tongue for horizontal alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, preventing gap formation while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped tongue acts as an intermediary element between the flexible tongue and the adjacent panel edge. It mediates the horizontal alignment by being pressed into a groove, thereby preventing separation forces from causing gaps while allowing the flexible tongue to maintain its vertical locking function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertical push folding is used to lock panels, then wide panels can be locked, but locking becomes difficult when first and last rows are installed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a displaceable wedge-shaped tongue that can be dynamically positioned. During installation, the tongue is displaced horizontally into the groove of the adjacent panel, creating a locking force that works for wide panels. The tongue can be displaced back to unlock, providing dynamic adaptability for both wide panels and edge cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism changes its operational parameters based on the installation scenario. The wedge-shaped tongue transitions from a horizontal pressing state during installation to a locked state where it prevents separation. This parameter change allows the same mechanism to work for both wide panels and first/last rows without requiring different locking methods.
3Ease of operation
If a separate displaceable tongue is used, then installation is simplified, but the tongue may be accidentally unlocked during use
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped tongue is designed to be self-locking through its geometry and the groove it engages with. Once displaced horizontally into the groove, the tongue automatically locks in place without requiring additional fastening mechanisms, preventing accidental unlocking while maintaining easy installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical fastening mechanisms with a simpler magnetic or friction-based retention mechanism. The wedge-shaped tongue relies on geometric interlocking with the groove and friction/magnetic forces to maintain locking stability, eliminating the need for additional fasteners that could be accidentally disengaged.
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 magnetic locking system simplifies the installation process by reducing separation forces, ensuring secure locking without vertical or horizontal pressure, and maintaining the locked position even under repeated use and displacement, suitable for thin floating wood and laminate floors.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic tongue (30) is displaced by a magnetic field into a tongue groove (20)
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic tongue (30) is held in a locked position by a locking force from a magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
Floor panels (1, 1') are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having a tongue (30) of magnetic material that could be locked vertically by a magnetic field.