Building Panel Locking Device for Sealing and Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building panel locking systems lack effective sealing capabilities, particularly in wet environments, and fail to fully utilize their vertical locking strengths, especially under climate variations that cause panel deformation.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a protrusion and groove configuration that allows for vertical and horizontal locking of building panels, featuring a continuous protruding element along the corner portion to prevent water flow and accommodate material deformation, combined with a flexible tongue and recess for enhanced assembly options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking device with protrusion and groove is used for vertical locking, then the locking strength is improved, but the sealing capability against water flow remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into separate functional elements: a protrusion with continuous surface for vertical locking, a groove for reception, a tongue for horizontal locking, and a recess for engagement. This segmentation allows each element to optimize its specific function while collectively providing both locking strength and sealing capability through the coordinated action of these segmented parts
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous surface of the protrusion acts as an intermediary sealing element between the vertical locking surfaces of adjacent panels. This continuous surface prevents water flow penetration by creating an uninterrupted barrier, while still allowing the mechanical locking function to operate through the groove engagement
2Strength
If rigid locking structures are used to provide strong vertical locking, then the locking strength is improved, but the adaptability to panel deformation under climate variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates dynamic characteristics through the flexible tongue element that can deform horizontally to accommodate panel movement, and the continuous surface on the protrusion that can flex vertically to maintain sealing under deformation. This dynamic capability allows the rigid-looking structure to adapt to climate-induced panel deformation while maintaining locking strength
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device utilizes changes in geometric parameters - the continuous surface maintains contact through vertical displacement, the tongue engages through horizontal displacement, and the groove accommodates angular movement. These parameter changes allow the locking mechanism to adapt to deformation while maintaining strong vertical locking through the protrusion-groove engagement
3Ease of operation
If simple horizontal displacement assembly is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sealing capability and locking versatility remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device merges multiple locking functions into a single integrated mechanism: vertical locking through protrusion-groove engagement, horizontal locking through tongue-recess engagement, and sealing through the continuous surface. This merging maintains ease of operation through a unified assembly motion while providing comprehensive sealing capability that simple horizontal displacement alone cannot achieve
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 provides improved sealing, increased panel lifetime, and adaptability to deformations induced by humidity changes, ensuring strong and versatile locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a protrusion (2) and a groove (3) configured to cooperate for vertical locking of a first edge portion (1a) of a first building panel (1) to an adjacent second edge portion (1b) of a second building panel (1')
Implementation Method 2
a tongue (5) provided in said first edge portion (1a) and a recess (4) provided in a strip (6) of the second edge portion (1b), the recess (4) and the tongue (5) being configured to cooperate for horizontal locking of the first (1a) and the second (1b) edge portions
Implementation Method 3
the protrusion (2) and said protruding element (2') extend continuously along a corner portion (13) of the first building panel (1), such that the protrusion (2) is gradually transformed into the protruding element (2') along a horizontal continuous transition portion (C) disposed along the corner portion (13)
Data Source
AI summary
Building panels, such as floor panels, including a locking device. The locking device includes a protrusion and a groove configured to cooperate for vertical locking of a first edge portion of a first building panel to an adjacent second edge portion of a second building panel. The locking device further includes a separate tongue arranged in an insertion groove and a recess configured to cooperate for horizontal locking of the first and the second edge portions. The first and second edge portions are configured to be assembled by a relative essentially horizontal displacement and/or by angling. The insertion groove is provided vertically below at least one horizontal plane extending along a vertical locking surface provided in a third edge portion of the first building panel.