Building Panel Locking With Flexible Tongue Tool-Free Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking systems for building panels require tools for disassembly, making it difficult to easily and tool-free disassemble panels.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking device with a flexible tongue and tongue groove system, where the flexible tongue is positioned in an insertion groove and cooperates with a tongue groove, allowing for disassembly by applying forces that push the tongue part towards the bottom surface of the groove, enabling panels to be disassembled without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking system with a separate resilient tongue is used, then the panels can be locked securely, but the panels require a tool for disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tongue is divided into three functional segments: a first edge part with a curved surface for disassembly, a central part for locking, and a second edge part. This segmentation allows different portions of the same component to serve different functions - the curved first edge part enables tool-free disassembly while the central part maintains secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the flexible tongue are given different geometric properties - the first edge part has a curved surface that facilitates easy displacement during disassembly, while the central part has a shape optimized for locking. This local differentiation allows the same component to provide both secure locking and easy disassembly
2Reliability
If a separate resilient tongue is inserted in a displacement groove, then the locking mechanism functions properly, but the disassembly process becomes complex requiring tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function and the disassembly function into a single integrated flexible tongue component. The tongue simultaneously provides secure locking through its central part and enables easy disassembly through its curved first edge part, eliminating the need for separate disassembly mechanisms or tools
3Productivity
If the tongue is pushed into the displacement groove during assembly, then the panels lock vertically, but disassembly requires applying force with a tool
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface on the first edge part of the tongue is designed to be displaced in the opposite direction during disassembly compared to the assembly direction. By applying force to this curved surface, the tongue is pushed back along its insertion path, enabling reverse operation without tools and facilitating easy disassembly after rapid assembly
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
Enables easy and tool-free disassembly of panels by displacing the tongue part, improving the disassembly process and allowing for repeated assembly and disassembly without damaging the panels.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible tongue comprises a central part between a first edge part and a second edge part of the flexible tongue. The central part is configured to cooperate with the tongue groove for locking of the first and the second edge in a first direction which is perpendicular to the main surface in a locked position
Implementation Method 2
The first edge part and the tongue groove are configured such that when in the locked position a force is applied adjacent the first edge and the third edge of the first panel and another force is optionally applied adjacent the second edge and the third edge of the second panel, the first edge part is pushed towards a bottom surface of the insertion groove which allows a disassembling of the second panel from the first panel
Data Source
AI summary
A set of panels each including a main surface, a first edge, an opposite second edge, a third edge which is adjacent to the first edge and a fourth edge which is opposite to the third edge. The set includes a mechanical locking device which is configured to lock the first edge to the second edge. The locking device includes a flexible tongue. The flexible tongue includes a central part configured to cooperate with a tongue groove for locking. A first edge part and the tongue groove are configured such that when in the locked position a force P′ is applied adjacent the first edge and the third edge of the first panel and another force P is applied adjacent the second edge and the third edge of the second panel, the first edge part is pushed towards a bottom surface of an insertion groove which allows a disassembling.