Mechanically Interconnectable Panel Covering with Segmented Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor coverings with side-push systems suffer from high waste in end-face profiling due to the protrusion of locking strips, which are necessary for alignment and tensile force transfer.
Innovation Solution
A covering system that combines a side-push system with a bayonet system, using locking elements with tongues and recesses, where the locking element is inserted as a separate component, eliminating the need for locking strips and minimizing waste by allowing the locking element to protrude minimally beyond the decorative edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If locking strips are used for alignment and tensile force transfer in side-push systems, then mechanical connection and force transfer are improved, but waste in end-face profiling increases due to protrusion beyond decorative edge
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: locking strips for tensile force transfer and locking elements for mechanical connection. This segmentation allows the locking strips to be positioned optimally for force transfer without requiring excessive protrusion, thereby reducing material waste in end-face profiling.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is extracted as a separate component that can be inserted into a retaining groove, separating the alignment and locking functions from the decorative edge. This allows the locking mechanism to function effectively while minimizing the protrusion beyond the decorative edge, thus reducing waste in end-face profiling.
2Ease of operation
If locking strips protrude beyond decorative edge for mechanical connection, then alignment and tensile force transfer are improved, but the proportion of waste in face profiling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is extracted as a separate component inserted into a retaining groove, separating the alignment function from the decorative edge. This allows precise alignment to be achieved through the locking element's positioning features without requiring the locking strips to protrude beyond the decorative edge, thereby minimizing waste in face profiling.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary component between the locking strips and the adjacent panel. It provides the necessary alignment and mechanical connection while being contained within the retaining groove, allowing the locking strips to remain within the decorative edge boundaries and thus reducing waste.
3Loss of substance
If locking element is inserted as separate component into retaining groove, then waste is minimized by minimal protrusion, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining groove is integrated directly into the panel structure during manufacturing, merging the locking mechanism components with the panel itself. This integration reduces the need for separate complex assemblies while still allowing the locking element to be inserted as a separate component, thus minimizing waste without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking through its geometric features, such as tapered surfaces and complementary grooves. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly procedures, thereby minimizing waste without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Covering of mechanically interconnectable panels (1a, 2a) which can be mechanically locked to one another at their end faces (6, 9) via locking elements (3a), comprising the following features: an undercut retaining groove (3a) for accommodating a locking element (5a) extending in the longitudinal direction of the retaining groove (3a) is situated at an end face (6) of a first panel (1a); the locking element (5a) projects with a plurality of spaced-apart tongues (7a) from the end face (6) so as to engage in pockets (8) of an undercut locking groove (4a) in the opposite end face (9) of an adjacent panel (2a); the pockets (8) are open towards an underside (11) and towards the end face (9) of the adjacent panel (2a); the locking element (5a) is intended, by sliding one end of the locking element (5a) into the retaining groove (3a), to be at least partially displaced from the pockets (8) in the direction of the locking groove (4a) in order to secure the panels (1a, 2a) against a tensile force acting in the direction of the laying plane (V) of the panels (1a, 2a).