Panel Edge Recessed Joint Sealing and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel designs suffer from open joints that allow dirt and moisture ingress, inadequate load-bearing capacity, and poor durability due to the design of upper and lower panel edges, which result in suboptimal locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a recessed joint with edge refractions of different sizes, a counter-abutment surface below the smaller edge refraction, and complementary locking means such as hook profiles or groove and tongue profiles to ensure a closed joint, enhanced load-bearing capacity, and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the upper portion of panel edges is designed with edge refractions to form a recessed joint, then the joint is sealed against dirt and moisture, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel edge is divided into an upper portion with edge refractions for sealing and a lower portion with locking means for mechanical connection. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the upper portion seals against harmful factors while the lower portion provides structural locking, resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panel edge are given different geometric properties - the upper portion has edge refractions (chamfers/bevels) specifically designed to create a recessed joint that seals against dirt and moisture, while the lower portion has locking means. This local differentiation allows the sealing function to be optimized without unnecessarily complicating the entire edge design.
2Strength
If complementary locking means are arranged in the lower portion of panel edges, then load-bearing capacity is enhanced, but the visible joint appearance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The panel edge is segmented into an upper visible portion and a lower functional portion. The upper portion with edge refractions creates an aesthetically pleasing recessed joint, while the lower portion contains the locking means that provide load-bearing capacity. This vertical segmentation allows both appearance and strength requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel edges are designed asymmetrically with respect to their vertical structure - the upper portion features edge refractions for visual appeal and sealing, while the lower portion features locking means for mechanical strength. This asymmetric design allows the visible upper joint area to maintain aesthetic quality while the hidden lower area provides the necessary load-bearing capacity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If edge refractions of different sizes are used in complementary panel edges, then a closed recessed joint is formed, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design specifies particular parameter ranges for the edge refractions - the first panel edge has a first edge refraction and the second panel edge has a second edge refraction of different size. By defining specific parameter relationships rather than requiring exact dimensional matches, the design achieves effective sealing while accommodating reasonable manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7
AI summary
Panel (1',2') having a panel core (14, 15), a panel surface (11, 12), a panel underside (24) and having at least one edge pair of mutually opposite complementary panel edges (1, 2), which are provided with complementary locking means (V), wherein the complementary locking means are configured such that, when two of these panels are assembled, both a locking action of the panel edges (1, 2) in a direction perpendicular to the panel surface and also a locking action preventing the panels from moving apart, specifically away from each other within the panel plane in a direction perpendicular to the locked panel edges, can be achieved underneath a visible joint (3) by means of the assembled complementary locking means, with the proviso that the panel edges provided with the complementary locking means have an upper portion (A) and a lower portion (B), with regard to the thickness of the panel, wherein the complementary locking means are arranged and configured in the lower portion (B) of the panel edges, wherein the upper portion (A) of the panel edges is provided for the formation of the upper joint region, including the visible part of the joint (3), and, for this purpose, the upper portion (A) on each panel edge of the edge pair has a chamfer (4, 5) which, when two of these panels are assembled, forms a depressed joint, wherein the chamfers of the complementary panel edges are of different sizes in the upper portion of the panel edges, and wherein, when two complementary panel edges are assembled, the larger chamfer (4) is covered by the smaller chamfer (5), wherein a butt-joint abutment surface (8) is provided on a lower end of the larger chamfer (4).