Universal Coupling Panel for Single-Type Herringbone Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel installation methods require multiple types of panels and complex production processes to achieve herringbone patterns, leading to increased costs, complexity, and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A panel design with three edge profiles - groove-tongue, groove, and groove-double tongue - allows for easy manufacturing and installation in complex patterns using only one type of panel, featuring continuous profiles that facilitate milling and reduce the need for complex machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of panels are used for herringbone installation, then installation flexibility is improved, but production complexity and stockkeeping requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed with universal coupling capability where all four edges have identical tongue-groove profiles, enabling the same panel type to be used in multiple installation patterns including herringbone, parallel, and perpendicular arrangements. This eliminates the need for different panel types while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel edges are segmented into tongues and grooves that can be selectively engaged depending on the installation pattern. The coupling parts are divided into functional segments (tongue portions and groove portions) that can interact in different configurations to achieve various laying patterns using the same panel type.
2Device complexity
If separate inserts are used to create different panel types, then stockkeeping is simplified, but installation complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove coupling parts are merged into an integrated profile that is directly formed on the panel edges during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate inserts while simplifying installation, as the coupling mechanism is built-in rather than requiring additional components to be added during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If edge profiles are modified during installation for herringbone patterns, then installation adaptability is improved, but production efficiency and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue-groove profiles are preliminarily formed on all four edges of the panel during the manufacturing process using standardized tooling. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for edge modification during installation, maintaining high production efficiency while enabling installation adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex coupling part structures are used, then installation pattern versatility is improved, but manufacturing speed and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling profiles use standardized dimensional parameters that can be adjusted through simple parameter changes rather than complex structural modifications. The tongue and groove dimensions are defined by controllable parameters that can be varied during manufacturing to achieve different installation patterns without requiring complex tooling or reducing production speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A rectangular panel includes 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.