Mechanical Panel Locking With Displaceable Tongue for Thin Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical locking systems for building panels require thick panels to ensure strength, limiting the use of thinner panels.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking system with a displaceable tongue that includes a displacement groove and tongue groove with varying heights and angles, allowing for thinner panels to achieve enhanced locking strength through increased material distribution and angled surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a locking system comprising a displaceable tongue is used, then the panel thickness can be reduced, but the strength requirement may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an asymmetric groove configuration where the displacement groove has a greater height than the tongue groove. This localized geometric variation concentrates the structural strength in specific areas (the displacement groove and panel edge) while allowing the overall panel thickness to be reduced. The differential groove heights create optimized stress distribution zones that maintain locking strength without requiring uniformly thick panels throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension tongue groove design to a two-dimensional asymmetric groove system by introducing height variations between the displacement groove and tongue groove. This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to derive strength from vertical groove depth differences rather than solely from panel thickness, enabling thinner panels to achieve equivalent or superior locking strength.
2Quantity of substance
If the panel thickness is reduced, then the material usage is decreased, but the locking system strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing asymmetric groove heights where the displacement groove extends deeper than the tongue groove, the patent concentrates material reinforcement locally at the displacement groove and panel edge regions. This localized material distribution maintains locking strength while reducing material usage in other panel areas, achieving an optimized material-to-strength ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the groove system by establishing a height relationship where the displacement groove height exceeds the tongue groove height. This parameter modification allows the locking mechanism to achieve required strength levels with reduced overall panel thickness and material consumption, as the asymmetric geometry creates more efficient stress pathways.
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 system provides improved strength and stability for thinner panels, enabling efficient assembly and increased durability under normal and heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
The displaceable tongue is configured to be pushed into the displacement groove during assembling of the first and the second panel and spring back to a position in which an outer part of the displaceable tongue cooperate with the first tongue groove for the locking in the vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A set of essentially identical panels, such as building panels, provided with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable tongue, which is arranged in a displacement groove with a first opening at a first edge of a first panel. The displaceable tongue is configured to cooperate with a first tongue groove, with a second opening at a second edge of an adjacent second panel, for vertical locking of the first and the second edge. The height of the first opening is greater than a second height of the second opening.