Single-Type Panel Coupling Profiles for Herringbone Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel installation systems require multiple types of panels and complex manufacturing processes to achieve herringbone patterns, leading to increased costs, complexity, and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A panel design with three profiles - groove-tongue, groove, and groove-double tongue - allows for installation in complex patterns like herringbone using only one type of panel, ensuring efficient locking and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of panels are used to achieve herringbone patterns, then installation flexibility is improved, but stockkeeping complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed with four identical coupling edges, each capable of functioning as either a tongue or a groove depending on the installation orientation. This universal design allows the same panel type to be used in parallel, herringbone, and diagonal patterns without requiring multiple panel variants, thereby reducing stockkeeping complexity while maintaining installation flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex edge profiles are created to enable herringbone installation, then installation pattern capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling edge is segmented into distinct functional zones: a bearing surface for load transfer, a locking surface for vertical engagement, and a groove for lateral retention. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently using standard profiling operations, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling complex installation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling edges are pre-profiled during panel manufacturing with all necessary geometric features (bearing surfaces, locking surfaces, grooves) already formed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site modification or complex assembly operations, thereby maintaining high production speed while enabling herringbone installation capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard tongue and groove profiles are used on all edges, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but installation pattern flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
While all four edges of the panel have identical profiles, the asymmetric orientation of these edges relative to the panel geometry enables different installation patterns. The coupling edge design includes asymmetric features (tongue positioned at one end, groove at the other) that allow the same profile to function differently depending on which edge is being installed, thereby achieving pattern flexibility without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rectangular panel comprises four edges each provided with continuous coupling profiles. The coupling profiles enable to couple a plurality of such panels. The panels and the coupling profiles are configured such that only one type of panel is required to install the panels in herringbone configuration.