Panel Locking System With Spring Deflection For Debris Tolerance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for panels are complex and often fail to ensure a reliable connection due to interference from dust and debris, which can hinder precise assembly and create gaps between panels.
Innovation Solution
A simplified locking system with a blocking element featuring a first spring section that can deflect freely, engaging with a third undercut while accommodating foreign particles, and a design that includes a second spring section for additional locking, ensuring a secure and gap-free connection between panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking system with multiple spring sections is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into functionally independent components: a blocking element with spring section for one panel edge, and a corresponding hook profile with undercut on the other panel edge. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from conventional locking systems. By using a single spring section instead of multiple spring sections, and by integrating the blocking element design to perform multiple functions (locking, accommodating particles, compensating gaps), the system achieves reliability with reduced complexity.
2Reliability
If the blocking element is designed to engage precisely in the undercut, then the connection reliability is improved, but foreign particles like dust and debris can interfere with the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed with a specific geometry that creates a tolerance zone or clearance space between the engagement surfaces. This beforehand cushioning allows foreign particles to be accommodated without preventing the blocking element from engaging the undercut, thus maintaining connection reliability while tolerating the presence of dust and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the blocking element and undercut are designed with different geometric properties. The engagement region maintains precise geometric relationships for reliable locking, while adjacent regions incorporate clearances or tolerance zones that locally accommodate foreign particles without affecting the primary locking function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spring section is constrained during deflection, then the structural stability is improved, but the deflection freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to transition from a static, constrained state during assembly to a dynamically stable locked state. The spring section is initially free to deflect and move into the undercut, then becomes structurally stable once engaged. The geometry is designed so that stability is achieved through the engaged configuration rather than continuous constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element and undercut are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide different characteristics for different phases of operation. During approach and engagement, the asymmetric shape allows free deflection and guidance into position. Once engaged, the same asymmetric geometry provides structural stability through the interlocking configuration, eliminating the need for separate constraint mechanisms.
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 locking system provides a reliable and gap-free connection between panels, accommodating foreign particles and compensating for fitting inaccuracies, while maintaining a simple and efficient design for easy assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring section (12.1) and a first foot section (13.1), which is inserted into a first undercut (9.1) of a first hook profile (5.1)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking system (1) for plate-shaped panels (4.1, 4.2) with hook-profiled sections (5.1, 5.2) which complement one another and each of which is provided with a hook element (6). The hook elements (6) of complementary hook-profiled sections (5.1, 5.2) of adjacent panels (4.1, 4.2) hook in a joining movement (f) so as to engage into one another into a connected position. A profiled locking element (11) which has a first spring portion (12.1) and a first foot portion (13.1) is provided, said locking element being insertable into a first undercut (9.1) of a first hook-profiled section (5.1). The first undercut (9.1) of at least the first hook-profiled section (5.1) has a second undercut (9.2) which is effective perpendicular to the larger lateral surfaces (2) and into which the first spring portion (12.1) of the locking element (11) automatically locks from an open position into a locking position upon reaching the connected position of the two panels (4.1, 4.2). The second undercut (9.2) has a space (14) in which or into which the first spring portion (12.1) of the locking element (11) can be elastically deflected into the open position.