Panel Locking With Partial Retaining Grooves for Leak Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panels lack sufficient breaking strength and seep resistance against liquid penetration, particularly in corner regions, due to continuous retaining grooves that weaken the material and create pathways for liquid ingress.
Innovation Solution
A panel design featuring partial retaining grooves and locking elements, with specific ratios and configurations, that enhance breaking strength and seep resistance by minimizing material weakening and hydraulic communication, using a tongue-and-groove connection with immovable locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous retaining groove is provided over the entire transverse extension of the panel, then the locking element can be securely inserted, but the panel's breaking strength is reduced due to material weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining groove is provided only in a partial area at the short side of the panel rather than extending over the entire transverse width. This partial groove configuration provides sufficient locking security for the locking element while preserving breaking strength by maintaining material continuity in the regions outside the groove.
2Reliability
If a continuous retaining groove extends across the entire panel width, then the locking element is securely positioned, but liquid can penetrate through the groove to the lower surface
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining groove is limited to a partial area at the short side of the panel rather than extending across the entire width. This interruption of the continuous groove path prevents liquid from penetrating through the groove to the lower surface, while still providing adequate locking stability for the locking element within the confined groove region.
3Reliability
If the retaining groove extension ratio b0/B is increased to improve locking security, then the locking element is more securely retained, but the panel's breaking strength and seep resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The extension of the retaining groove in the transverse direction is controlled within the range 0.50 ≤ b0/B ≤ 0.97, with optimal range 0.75 ≤ b0/B ≤ 0.95. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient locking security while maintaining adequate breaking strength and seep resistance by preventing excessive material removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel comprises a panel body extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a retaining groove extending in the transverse direction in an end short side of the panel body, and a locking element which is inserted in the retaining groove substantially immovably. For an extension b0 of the retaining groove in the transverse direction relative to a nominal width B of the panel body between a first edge extending in the longitudinal direction and a second edge of the panel body extending in the longitudinal direction, the following applies: 0.50≤b0/B≤0.97. An unbreakable and leak-proof panel having good and material-friendly locking is made possible by the retaining groove which extends over only a large portion of the short side and by the locking element immovably received in the retaining groove.