Profiled Strip Foldable Locking Element for Damage-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting floorboards, such as snap and fall-down connections, often result in damage to the decorative top layer due to the force required for locking, and struggle to provide sufficient locking strength to absorb dynamic loads and unevenness, especially when using thin profiled strips.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a profiled strip with foldable projecting elements that are milled and thermoformed into bent locking elements, allowing for a stronger vertical lock without damaging the strip during assembly or disassembly, and enabling connection in various directions with reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If horizontal snap connection is used to join floorboards, then the connection can be made quickly, but the force required may damage the decorative top layer and the connecting means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional horizontal snap connection approach by implementing a vertical connection system where the profiled strip connects to the floorboard from above. This inversion allows the connecting means to engage vertically, eliminating the need for hammering forces that damage the decorative top layer while maintaining quick installation through a simple downward pressing motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary connecting system consisting of male and female connecting means with distributing elements. This intermediary mechanism distributes the connection force across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at a single point, preventing damage to the decorative top layer while achieving secure connection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vertical fall-down connection is used to join floorboards, then damage to the decorative top layer is reduced, but sufficient locking strength to absorb dynamic loads is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking mechanism into multiple independent distributing elements arranged in rows within the male connecting means. Each distributing element independently engages with the female connecting means, creating multiple locking points that collectively absorb dynamic loads and unevenness, thereby achieving sufficient locking strength without damaging the decorative surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite connecting means combining rigid structural elements for strength with flexible distributing elements for load absorption. The male connecting means includes a rigid body with flexible distributing elements that can deform to accommodate unevenness while maintaining strong engagement, achieving both damage reduction and high locking strength
3Quantity of substance
If profiled strips are made thinner to reduce material usage, then cost and weight are reduced, but the connecting means become more prone to breaking under dynamic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible distributing elements within the male connecting means that can bend and deform elastically under dynamic loads. These flexible elements are designed to absorb impact forces and accommodate unevenness without breaking, enabling thin profiled strips to maintain high reliability despite reduced material thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the connecting means by introducing flexible distributing elements with specific elasticity and hardness properties. These parameter changes allow the connecting means to transition from a rigid, brittle structure prone to breaking to a flexible, resilient structure that can withstand dynamic loads even in thin profiled strips
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 method enhances locking strength while minimizing the risk of damage to the profiled strips during dynamic loads and allows for easy disassembly without breaking, using a flexible locking element that can be designed for various materials and thicknesses, including thin PVC strips.
Implementation Method 1
heating the produced projecting element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing a profiled strip (1) comprising: a first longitudinal side (2A), provided with first male connecting means and a second longitudinal side (2B) situated opposite the first longitudinal side (2A) and provided with first female connecting means, which profiled strip (1) is furthermore provided, on a first end side (3A), with second male connecting means and is provided, on a second end side (3B) situated opposite the first end side (3A), with second female connecting means, wherein said connecting means are suitable for connecting the longitudinal sides (2A, 2B) and/or the end sides (3A, 3B) of adjacent profiled strips (1, 1′) to each other, wherein the method comprises the following steps:supplying a panel-shaped profiled section made of plastic;sawing the profiled section produced to the desired length;performing one or several milling operations in order to produce at least one foldable flexible projecting element (6a) on the first end side (3A) of the sawed profiled section;heating the produced projecting element (6A) and subsequently bending it at a desired angle in relation to the end side (3A) in order to form a bent locking element (6b).