Resilient Floorboard Edge Locking with Segmented Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling resilient floorboards with mechanical locking systems, such as angling-angling, angling-snapping, and vertical folding, are difficult due to the bending and increased friction of resilient materials like PVC, requiring excessive force for connection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving positioning and bending floorboards with a mechanical locking system, where a first device is pushed into a second device, reducing the force needed by allowing partial edge connection, using a raising device and a tool with a rotatable press part to apply force, and repeating the process until the entire edge is connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resilient floorboards are assembled using angling-angling or angling-snapping methods, then mechanical locking connection is achieved, but excessive force is required due to material bending and friction
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 the assembly process to occur in two distinct stages, reducing the force required at each stage compared to a single simultaneous locking action.
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, then horizontally locked, reducing the overall force needed compared to simultaneous engagement.
2Reliability
If resilient floorboards are assembled using vertical folding method, then connection is achieved, but increased friction in resilient material makes the process difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking process is segmented into two separate locking actions (vertical and horizontal) performed in sequence, rather than requiring simultaneous folding and locking. This reduces the friction resistance during assembly by breaking the complex motion into simpler, sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical locking action is performed as a preliminary step before horizontal locking. This preliminary vertical engagement simplifies the subsequent horizontal locking operation by pre-positioning the floorboards, making the overall assembly process easier despite the resilient material's friction.
3Reliability
If the entire edge of the floorboard is locked mechanically, then complete connection is achieved, but excessive force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The edge locking is segmented into vertical locking and horizontal locking components. The vertical locking device engages first to secure the edges vertically, then the horizontal locking device engages to complete the connection. This segmentation distributes the force requirement across two separate actions rather than requiring excessive force for simultaneous complete edge locking.
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
This method significantly reduces the force required for assembling resilient floorboards by allowing partial edge locking, minimizing friction and making the process easier and more efficient.
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.