Pivoting Panel Connection Element for Thick-Panel Vertical Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel connection elements for thicker panels, such as laminate or prefabricated parquet, fail to provide sufficient retaining force in the vertical locking direction, especially under load, leading to potential separation of connected panels.
Innovation Solution
A panel connection element with complementary coupling elements that engage through a relative movement, featuring a locking element with a bulge that pivots into a latching receptacle, forming multiple coupling sections for secure vertical and horizontal stability, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without requiring the element to move within a groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional panel connection elements are used for thicker panels, then the panels can be connected, but the retaining force in the vertical locking direction is insufficient under load
Solution Approach 1:
The panel connection element is divided into multiple functional parts: a first part inserted into the groove and a second part with a latching element that engages with the locking element. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, with the latching element providing strong vertical locking force while the first part ensures horizontal positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel connection element incorporates a pivotable second part that can rotate about the connecting web between the first and second parts. This dynamic element allows the latching element to engage with the locking element through a pivoting motion, enabling reliable vertical locking while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional panel connection elements are used, then panels can be connected, but the point stability is insufficient and panels may jump up in the head joint
Solution Approach 1:
The panel connection element combines multiple stabilizing functions into a single integrated component. The first part provides horizontal positioning and prevents head joint movement, while the second part with the latching element provides vertical locking. This merging of functions ensures both point stability and prevention of panel separation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel connection element acts as an intermediary component between the two panels, with the groove receiving the first part and the latching mechanism engaging the locking elements. This intermediary structure transfers and distributes loads between panels, maintaining point stability and preventing harmful separation movements.
3Strength
If thicker panels are used, then structural integrity is improved, but the panel connection elements do not provide sufficient retaining force
Solution Approach 1:
The panel connection element is designed with specific dimensional parameters adapted to thicker panels. The groove has appropriate depth and width to receive the first part, while the latching element and locking element are dimensioned to engage effectively with thicker panel profiles. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient retaining force for panels with thickness greater than or equal to 12 mm.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a set consisting of two panels for cladding a surface and of a panel connection element for connecting the two panels, wherein: two mutually opposing panel side faces have mutually complementary coupling elements in the form of an upper coupling element and a lower coupling element; the lower coupling element has a groove; the panel connection element has a first part and a second part which is coupled to the first part via a connection piece; the first part is introduced into the groove when the two panels are in the coupled state; the second part is pivotable about the connection piece relative to the first part; the second part comprises an upper portion, which has a latching element, and a lower portion, which has a lever, and the latching element has a bulge at the distal end; the locking element has a contact face which bears against the lever when the two panels are in the coupled state; the locking element has a latching receptacle which is complementary to the latching element and into which the bulge of the latching element engages when the two panels are in the coupled state. In this way, a set consisting of two panels and a panel connection element is provided which allows particularly fast and simple connection of the two panels via the panel connection element.