Profiled Strip Locking Element for Damage-Free Floorboard Joining
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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 required force and point load, and struggle to provide sufficient locking strength and flexibility to absorb dynamic loads without breaking under tilting movements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a profiled strip with a visible side and longitudinal sides equipped with male and female connecting means, where a projecting element is milled and thermoformed into a bent locking element, allowing for a vertical lock with enhanced locking strength and flexibility, enabling easy connection and disconnection without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If horizontal snap connection is used to join floorboards, then connection speed is improved, but damage to the decorative top layer occurs due to point load and uncontrolled force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional horizontal snap connection approach by implementing a vertical connection system where the locking element engages from the top surface. The male connecting means includes a locking element that extends vertically downward, and the female connecting means has a locking groove that receives this element from above, allowing gravity to assist the connection process while eliminating the need for hammering that causes surface damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plastic insert as an intermediary component between the male and female connecting means. This insert includes a locking element and locking groove that mediate the connection process, distributing forces more evenly and preventing direct point-load contact that would damage the decorative top layer of the floorboards.
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 cannot be achieved without excessive vertical force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking element is designed to be deflectable. During assembly, the locking element can flex to accommodate minor misalignments and then locks firmly into the locking groove. The system transitions from a rigid connection requirement to a dynamic one where the locking element adapts during the connection process, achieving strong locking without excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the locking element and locking groove to optimize both the assembly force and locking strength. The locking element has specific dimensions and angles that allow it to engage smoothly during vertical installation while providing sufficient resistance to upward forces once locked, achieving a balance between ease of assembly and connection strength.
3Strength
If thicker floorboards are used to provide sufficient locking strength with foldable lip, then locking strength is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function into a separate plastic insert component rather than relying on the floorboard thickness itself. The locking element and locking groove are formed as distinct features within the insert, allowing the floorboards to remain thin while still achieving sufficient locking strength through the specialized connecting means.
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 allows for a strong vertical lock with reduced risk of damage during assembly and disassembly, even with reduced thickness, and can be used with various materials, providing flexibility and increased locking strength while allowing easy disassembly without breaking the locking elements.
Implementation Method 1
heating the produced projecting element and subsequently bending it at a desired angle
Implementation Method 2
bending it at a desired angle in order to form a bent locking element
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4
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).