Paving Element Surface-Contact Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional installation panels often experience instability and unintended loosening due to insufficient locking mechanisms, compromising their protective properties and posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A laying panel design featuring a connecting device with an engagement element and receiving area, where the head part is supported on a large peripheral surface, eliminating the need for projections and providing a secure, high-force-absorbing connection between panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional projections are used for locking, then the connecting device can be simple in structure, but the stability and reliability of the connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from point-contact projections to surface-contact engagement. The head part of the engagement element makes contact with the support surface over a large area of its peripheral surface (underside), transforming the connection from a simple projection-locking mechanism to a distributed surface-contact system that spans multiple dimensions of force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is divided into distinct functional components: the engagement element with holding part and head part, the receiving area with opening and recess, and the height lock with contact surface and support surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve overall connection stability.
2Ease of operation
If projections are used for locking, then the connecting device can be easy to manufacture, but assembly complexity increases due to projections in the path of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the problematic projections from the path of movement between the engagement element and receiving area. By eliminating these protruding elements that complicate assembly, the design allows for smoother insertion and connection of adjacent installation panels without the need to navigate around obstructive projections.
3Strength
If a large area support is provided for the head part, then connection stability and force absorption are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the support function into the basic structural components of the connecting device. The support surface is integrated into the receiving area, and the head part's peripheral surface serves dual purposes as both a structural element and a load-bearing contact surface. This merging allows large-area force distribution without adding separate complex support structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Vertical locking is provided by a resting surface for the holding section (11) and/or a support surface for the head section (13) of the connector. The head section is supported over regions of its periphery, preferably its underside, on the support surface. The support surface and head surface resting upon it, are complementary in form. The connector projects from the main body (3) sidewalls (17, 19, 21, 23), which also include the corresponding connector receivers (9). The connecting components (3, 9) are integral with the sidewalls of the main body. Both the attachment (11) and head (13) of the connector project outwardly, the attachment and the main body being integral. The head includes a beveled surface for run-in. The receiver (9) includes a lead-in angle. The main body is a grid structure. It is round or polygonal, triangular, square or rectangular. The head (13) is rectangular or round, when seen in plan view. The penetration (15) is U-shaped, to match the attachment (11). The panel is preferably manufactured from recycled plastic granules by injection molding.