Resilient floor
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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 bending the floorboard along its edge to partially connect it, using a mechanical locking system with resiliently bendable locking strips and a tool with a rotatable press part to reduce the force needed, allowing for easier assembly by minimizing friction and the area of contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If known assembly methods (angling-angling, angling-snapping, vertical folding) are used on resilient floorboards, then mechanical locking connection is achieved, but the process becomes difficult due to board bending and high friction requiring excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking strip is divided into a first part and a second part that can move relative to each other. The first part remains substantially stationary while the second part moves along the locking strip during assembly, allowing progressive engagement rather than requiring force across the entire edge simultaneously. This segmentation reduces the instantaneous force needed and simplifies the assembly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system employs dynamic elements where the second part of the locking strip can move along the strip's length. This movement capability allows the system to adapt during assembly, transitioning from a static high-friction engagement to a dynamic progressive engagement that reduces required force and improves ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the entire edge of the floorboard is connected simultaneously, then complete mechanical locking is achieved, but excessive force is required due to high friction across the full contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process engages only a portion of the edge at any given time through the movable second part of the locking strip. Rather than requiring force across the entire edge simultaneously, the system progressively engages the locking mechanism along the edge length, reducing the instantaneous force requirement while still achieving complete connection through repeated or continuous movement of the second part.
3Productivity
If resilient floorboards are assembled using traditional methods, then mechanical locking is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to difficult manipulation of bending boards
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking strip into movable and stationary parts, the system allows for easier manipulation during assembly. The movable second part can be engaged and positioned more easily than a rigid full-length locking mechanism, reducing the skill and effort required while improving assembly speed and productivity.
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 required for connecting resilient floorboards by allowing partial edge locking, making the assembly process easier and more efficient while maintaining a strong mechanical connection.
Implementation Method 1
The resiliently bendable locking strip is preferably made of the same resilient material as the resilient floorboards and most preferably of vinyl, surlyn, and/or PVC
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
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.