Panel Hook Profile Compression Zone for Locking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating floor coverings face difficulties in locking mechanisms, leading to irregularities on the floor surface, especially when installed on both hard and soft sound-insulating surfaces, causing issues with joint alignment and stability.
Innovation Solution
The panels incorporate hook profiles with a compression region that allows for elastic deformation during locking, creating a positive connection perpendicular to the panel plane, and are made from materials like wood-plastic composites or thermoplastics with increased compressibility, enhancing the locking mechanism's effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used on hard subfloors, then installation is possible, but locking issues arise causing surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The hook profiles are designed with a compression zone that changes the mechanical parameters of the locking mechanism. This compression zone allows the hook to deform elastically under compression forces, enabling the locking mechanism to adapt to different subfloor conditions (hard or soft) and ensure reliable locking without causing surface irregularities during installation
2Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used on soft impact sound-insulating underlay, then installation is possible, but locking issues arise causing surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The compression zone in the hook profile enables the locking mechanism to accommodate the soft, compliant nature of impact sound-insulating underlay. The elastic deformation capability allows the hook to compress into the soft underlay and maintain secure engagement, ensuring reliable locking stability while simplifying the installation process on such surfaces
3Strength
If hook profiles are made more rigid for stronger locking, then locking strength improves, but ability to compress and adapt to different surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook profile is designed with non-uniform properties: the compression zone has reduced rigidity to allow elastic deformation and adaptation to different surfaces, while other parts of the hook maintain sufficient rigidity to provide strong locking. This local differentiation of mechanical properties enables the hook to simultaneously achieve both adaptability to various subfloor conditions and strong locking capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If hook profiles are made more compressible for better surface adaptation, then surface adaptability improves, but locking strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook profile incorporates a localized compression zone with specific geometric and material properties that provide controlled compressibility. This compression zone allows the hook to adapt to different surface conditions while the overall hook structure maintains sufficient locking strength through its design in regions outside the compression zone
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 solution simplifies the installation process, improves locking stability, and provides better impact sound insulation and water resistance, ensuring a smooth and secure floor covering installation.
Implementation Method 1
Because compression is an elastic deformation, the compressed state returns to normal after the locking process is complete. The compression zone then returns to a neutral, uncompressed shape and exerts a locking effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a panel with at least one pair of complementary locking means on opposing panel edges. At least one pair of the locking means is provided with complementary profiled hook sections (H), at least one of the profiled hook sections having a compression region.