Snap-Fit Plank Joint Geometry for Low-Pressure Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plank connections require significant vertical pressure to overcome large overlaps, making installation difficult and risking damage to the planks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a guiding recess above the proximal lip and optimizing protrusion and lip angles to reduce the overlap to less than 0.15 mm, allowing for a smoother installation process while maintaining connection strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large overlap is used to ensure strong connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation difficulty increases due to requiring strong vertical pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into two distinct parts: a guiding recess and a connecting groove. The guiding recess first guides the protrusion into proper alignment, while the connecting groove subsequently provides the locking function. This segmentation allows the overlap to be reduced while maintaining connection strength, as the guiding function separates the alignment process from the locking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding recess performs a preliminary action by guiding the distal protrusion into the correct transverse position before the final connection is made. This preliminary alignment action occurs during the insertion process, ensuring that the protrusion is properly positioned before the locking engagement takes place, thereby reducing the force needed for installation.
2Strength
If strong vertical pressure is applied during installation to overcome overlap resistance, then the connection strength is improved, but the risk of damaging the planks increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connection interface into a guiding recess and a connecting groove, the patent reduces the overlap size needed for connection. This reduces the resistance force during installation, thereby reducing the vertical pressure required and the associated risk of plank damage while still achieving strong connection through the two-part interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding recess acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the connection process. It guides the protrusion into proper alignment before the final locking engagement, reducing the direct mechanical shock and force transmission that would otherwise damage the planks during installation.
3Ease of operation
If the overlap is reduced to ease installation, then the installation ease is improved, but the connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is divided into two functional parts: the guiding recess for alignment and the connecting groove for locking. This segmentation allows the overlap to be reduced for easier installation while maintaining connection strength through the combined action of both features. The guiding recess ensures proper alignment with minimal overlap, and the connecting groove provides the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the connection interface by creating a recess and groove that extend in the thickness direction of the planks. This vertical dimension allows the connection to engage more deeply into the plank structure, compensating for the reduced horizontal overlap and maintaining connection strength despite easier installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of planks for covering a surface is provided that has a first plank having a first edge defining a connecting tongue, and a second plank having a second edge defining a connecting groove. The first plank is movable between a disconnected position and a connected position, in which the connecting tongue is snap-fit in the connecting groove, and the connecting tongue has a distal protrusion and a proximal protrusion adapted to abut upwards in the connected position against a proximal lip and a distal lip of the connecting groove.