Resilient Floorboard Edge Bending for Low-Force Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling resilient floorboards, such as those made of vinyl or PVC, face difficulties due to their bending properties, making angling-angling and angling-snapping methods impractical, and vertical folding methods challenging due to increased friction.
Innovation Solution
A method involving positioning and bending the edges of resilient floorboards with a mechanical locking system, using a raising device to reduce the force required for connection, and applying a force with a tool to finalize the edge connection, facilitated by integrally formed locking strips with guiding surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If angling-angling or angling-snapping methods are used to assemble resilient floorboards, then mechanical locking connection is achieved, but the method becomes difficult or unfeasible to use due to the bending properties of resilient material
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two separate devices: a first locking device that provides vertical locking and a second locking device that provides horizontal locking. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies the assembly process by enabling sequential engagement rather than requiring simultaneous complex alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking device engages in vertical locking before the second locking device engages in horizontal locking. This preliminary action sequence allows the floorboards to be partially secured vertically first, providing stability before the horizontal locking is applied, making the overall assembly process more manageable.
2Strength
If angling-snapping method is used with hammer and tapping block, then force is applied to connect floorboards, but the resilient core absorbs the applied force making connection unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The locking force is divided into two components: vertical locking force from the first device and horizontal locking force from the second device. This segmentation allows the application of smaller, more manageable forces in different directions rather than requiring a single large force that the resilient material would absorb.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking devices act as intermediaries that translate the assembly force into effective locking action. The first locking device converts vertical pressure into vertical locking, and the second locking device converts horizontal pressure into horizontal locking, making the force application more efficient and less susceptible to energy absorption by the resilient core.
3Reliability
If vertical folding method is used to assemble resilient floorboards, then edge connection is achieved, but the method becomes difficult to apply due to increased friction in the resilient material
Solution Approach 1:
The locking process is segmented into vertical locking first, then horizontal locking. This segmentation reduces the friction problem by engaging the locking devices in a sequence that minimizes sliding friction, as the vertical engagement provides initial stability before horizontal engagement is required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying horizontal force first and then vertical force (which would create high friction), the method inverts the sequence by applying vertical force first for locking, then horizontal force. This inversion reduces the overall friction resistance encountered during assembly.
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 significantly reduces the force needed for assembling resilient floorboards by allowing partial edge locking, minimizing friction, and ensuring secure vertical and horizontal connections.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient core of the resilient floorboard absorbs the applied force
Implementation Method 2
The locking system decreases the friction forces that must be overcome when installing the resilient floorboards
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling resilient floorboards is disclosed that includes the step of bending an edge of a floorboard during the assembling. The bending reduces the force required for connection of the edge to another edge of a juxtaposed floorboard. The floorboards May be provided with a mechanical locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of two adjacent floorboards.