Resilient Skirting Board Fixing Element for Jam-Free Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skirting board fixing systems face difficulties during installation due to the resilient members constantly being tensed, causing flooring panels to be spaced too far from the wall, leading to jamming and falling issues, especially when laying the last panels near the wall.

Innovation Solution

A resilient fixing element with a first arm under the floor covering and a second arm engaged with the skirting board, featuring a resilient abutment element that can transition from a constrained to an extended position, utilizing an engagement mechanism to block and release the abutment element, ensuring the skirting board is pressed against the wall without interfering with installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the resilient member is constantly tensed to press the skirting board against the wall, then the skirting board is securely held against the wall, but the flooring panels are pushed too far away from the wall during installation, causing jamming and installation difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskirting board holding against wallVSAvoidinstallation of flooring panels
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The abutment element transitions from a constrained state during installation to an extended state during operation. During installation, the engagement means keeps the abutment element constrained, allowing panels to be laid close to the wall. After installation, the abutment element is released to exert pressure on the floor covering, pressing the skirting board against the wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement means is designed to block the abutment element in its constrained position during the installation phase, preventing it from interfering with panel placement. Once installation is complete, the engagement means is released, allowing the abutment element to extend and perform its pressure-exerting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the abutment element is released to exert pressure on the floor covering, then the skirting board is pressed against the wall, but the fixing element becomes difficult to mount on the flooring panels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskirting board pressing against wallVSAvoidmounting of fixing element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The abutment element's state changes from constrained (easy mounting) to extended (effective pressure exertion). The engagement means provides a blocking mechanism that keeps the abutment element constrained during mounting, eliminating resistance. After mounting, the engagement means is released, allowing the abutment element to extend and exert pressure on the floor covering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement means acts as an intermediary mechanism that temporarily controls the abutment element's state. During mounting, it mediates by blocking the abutment element to reduce resistance. After mounting, it allows the abutment element to return to its functional extended state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a reliable connection between the skirting board and floor covering, ensuring the board is constantly pressed against the wall during installation without jamming or falling, improving the installation process by allowing the resilient elements to exert pressure effectively without hindering the mounting process.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient fixing element for releasingly connecting a skirting board with a floor covering... the fixing element further comprising at least one resilient abutment element located in an internal space between the arms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3440278B1Resilient fixing element and a skirting board fixing system comprising a skirting board and such a fixing element
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 GALAS ADAM
  • EP3440278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3440278B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3440278B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A resilient fixing element (1) for releasingly connecting a skirting board with a floor covering, the fixing element (1) comprising a first arm (2) to be located under the floor covering, a second arm (3) to be located over the floor covering and to be engaged with the skirting board, and a connecting face (4) connecting the first arm (2) with the second arm (3), the fixing element (1) further comprising at least one resilient abutment element (6, 6') located in an internal space between the arms (2, 3), characterized in that the at least one resilient abutment element (6, 6') may take a first position in which it is constrained and blocked lying along the connecting face (4) and a second position in which it is extended into said internal space, wherein the fixing element (l)is provided with at least one engagement means (7) enabling to block the abutment element (6, 6') in its first position and to release the abutment element (6, 6') into its second position. A skirting board fixing system comprising a skirting board and the resilient fixing element according to the invention, in which the skirting board consists of a wall abutting covering arm (11) and a floor abutting arm (12), the arm (12) being engaged with the fixing element (1).