Panel Locking Bar with Spring Restoring Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel systems for floor coverings struggle to withstand high vertical pull-out forces, leading to potential disengagement under load, as the locking mechanisms can break or fail to securely lock the panels perpendicular to the covering.
Innovation Solution
The design features a locking bar that forms the distal end of the first side edge parallel to the panel, with a spring means providing restoring force, allowing the locking bar to be supported against the panel and absorb high pull-out forces even if it breaks, and the locking surfaces are inclined to ensure secure engagement and frictional connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking bar is made integral with the carrier layer and designed to be movable, then the panel connection system achieves easy assembly and disassembly, but the locking mechanism becomes vulnerable to breaking under high vertical pull-out forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a predetermined breaking point in the locking bar design. When vertical pull-out forces exceed a certain threshold, the locking bar breaks at this predetermined point rather than causing damage to other components. This breaking mechanism acts as a safety feature that protects the overall panel connection system from catastrophic failure, while still maintaining strong resistance to normal vertical loads through the intact locking bar structure.
2Reliability
If the locking surfaces are inclined with respect to the panel plane, then the locking bar is supported upwards and inwards providing frictional connection, but the geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the locking surfaces are inclined at an angle between 5° and 15° relative to the panel plane. This parameter optimization creates a balance between functionality and simplicity: the inclination is sufficient to generate the necessary frictional connection and support the locking bar inwards and upwards, ensuring reliable locking, while remaining small enough to avoid excessive geometric complexity in the locking mechanism design.
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
This configuration enhances the panels' ability to resist vertical pull-out forces, maintaining secure locking and preventing disengagement, even if the locking bar breaks, by distributing forces effectively and providing a predictable breaking point for the locking bar.
Implementation Method 1
the spring means being coupled to the locking bar in such a way that the spring means can be reset in the inner position a force exerts on the locking bar in the direction of the outer position
Implementation Method 2
the locking surfaces of the locking bar and the locking element in Connected state, the second side edge is locked against lifting upwards
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
System consisting of at least two panels (1, 1') for forming a covering, wherein the two panels (1, 1') have a first lateral edge (4) and a second lateral edge (5) which can be connected by a movement substantially perpendicular to the covering. The first lateral edge has a movably designed locking member (10, 10') and a spring means (14), and the second lateral edge has a locking element which interacts with the locking member (10, 10'). The spring means is coupled to the locking member in such a way that, in an inner position, the spring means exerts a restoring force on the locking member in the direction of an outer position. The locking member and the locking element each have a locking face. In order to ensure greater vertical extraction forces, the locking faces of the locking member and of the locking element in the connected state lock the second lateral edge against upward lifting, while the locking member is supported with respect to the panel.