Building Panel Edge Lips for Moisture-Sealed T-Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laminate flooring systems suffer from moisture control issues and lack effective sealing between assembled building panels, particularly at T-joints, leading to potential water penetration.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of lip portions on the edges of building panels, which form a mechanical labyrinth seal and align panels to create a continuous seal along their circumference, enhancing moisture resistance and preventing water penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components (studs, tracks, fasteners) are used to create an adjustable shelving system, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and assembly time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of shelving systemVSAvoidnumber of separate components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (studs, tracks, fasteners, adjustment mechanisms) into a single integrated building panel. The panel includes pre-attached studs with tracks that can receive shelving elements, and the entire assembly is fastened as one unit to the wall, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The building panel itself is segmented into modular units that can be arranged in different configurations. Each panel contains segmented functional elements (multiple studs, multiple tracks per stud) that can be independently positioned or removed, allowing adaptability without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for shelving assembly, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases due to assembly time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of shelving systemVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The studs, tracks, and fastening mechanisms are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the building panels during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple components, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining full adjustability of the shelving system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple components are merged into pre-assembled units that are installed as single elements. The building panel comes with studs and tracks already attached in configured positions, allowing rapid installation while preserving the ability to adjust shelving positions later if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional drywall with separate fastening components is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but reliability of connection between shelving and wall decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stud, track, and fastener components are merged into a single integrated assembly that is pre-attached to the building panel. This unified structure ensures proper alignment and secure connection between the shelving elements and the wall, eliminating the reliability issues associated with assembling multiple separate components on-site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4034726B1A set of building panels
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 VÄLINGE INNOVATION AB
  • EP4034726B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4034726B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B
  • EP4034726B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C

AI summary

Building panels, such as a floor panels or wall panels. The panels comprising a first mechanical locking system at respective parallel and opposite third and fourth edges (13, 14), such as long edges, configured to cooperate for horizontal and vertical locking between two adjacent building panels (10, 20), preferably by means of a folding motion. The panels further comprising a second locking system at respective parallel and opposite first and second edges (11, 12), such as short edges, configured to cooperate for horizontal and vertical locking of two adjacent building panels (10, 30). An upper edge portion of one of the third edge or fourth edge (13, 14), preferably the third edge (13), comprises a first lower lip portion (139) configured to cooperate with a first upper lip portion (149)of an upper edge portion of the other of the third and fourth edge of an adjacent panel (20) when the third and fourth edges are arranged in locking engagement.