Drying floor rigid grid

Abstract

A laminated dry flooring system includes a grid having a lattice forming a first array of holes. A support interlayer is adhered beneath the grid and has a second array of holes aligned with the first array of holes, the first array of holes, the second array of holes, and a thickness of the support interlayer configured to induce passage of a liquid. A wicking layer is in contact with the support interlayer in an opposing manner to the grid. A base layer is beneath the wicking layer, and a chassis assembly is configured to receive the base layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dry floor system for mitigating liquids, and more specifically to a laminated support interlayer disposed between an upper mesh and a lower wicking layer. Background Technology

[0002] Keeping floors dry in entrance areas, lavatory facilities, galleys or kitchens, and other locations where water or other liquids may be introduced during use (especially in various forms of transportation, including commercial aircraft), is essential to providing clean, non-slip surfaces. For example, in aircraft lavatories, individuals such as passengers, pilots, and flight attendants use the lavatories within the interior cabin during flight. Liquids (e.g., from sinks) may spill onto the lavatory floor. Aircraft lavatories are typically cleaned between flights. For example, maintenance or cleaning personnel board the aircraft on the ground before and / or after flight to clean the lavatories. However, during flight, although many people may use the lavatories, they are generally not cleaned. While flight attendants may be able to clean the lavatories, they typically have other duties during flight. Therefore, cleaning the lavatories may not be a primary concern for flight attendants during flight or even between flights. Consequently, the dryness of lavatory floors on aircraft can be compromised, especially during long-haul flights.

[0003] To address the problem of water retention on floor surfaces, as in examples such as restrooms, various absorbent pads or meshes have been employed that allow water to be absorbed or pass through. However, the durability of such devices is often insufficient. Flight attendants and passengers typically wear shoes with heels that have a small contact area, such as high heels or stiletto heels on women's dress shoes. Therefore, the openings in the mesh must be small to prevent such heels from getting stuck. However, pads or small meshes are often not robust enough to withstand heavy traffic and high-pressure contact during use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a laminated dry floor system comprising a grid having a lattice forming a first array of holes. A support interlayer is adhered beneath the grid and has a second array of holes aligned with the first array of holes, the thicknesses of the first array of holes, the second array of holes, and the support interlayer configured to induce liquid passage. An wicking layer contacts the support interlayer in a manner opposite to the grid. A base layer is located beneath the wicking layer, and a chassis assembly is configured to receive the base layer.

[0005] An embodiment provides a method for maintaining a dry floor, wherein the method supports the grid by means of a support interlayer adhered beneath the grid. Liquid is received into the grid, which has a lattice forming a first array of holes. The support interlayer has a second array of holes concentrically aligned with the first array of holes. Liquid is received through the second array of holes, and the support interlayer has a thickness configured to induce contact between the liquid and an wicking layer adhered to the lower surface of the support interlayer.

[0006] The features, functions and advantages already discussed can be implemented independently in various embodiments or combined in other embodiments, further details of which can be seen in the following description and figures. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0008] Figure 1 This is an illustration of an aircraft with a dry floor assembly that can be implemented using an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the interior of an aircraft having exemplary locations that may include exemplary embodiments;

[0010] Figure 3A This is an exploded view of the construction of an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of the construction of an exemplary embodiment;

[0012] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view showing details of a mesh component according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of the mesh component;

[0014] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment with details of the chassis components;

[0015] Figure 6 It is a partial cross-sectional view of a dish-shaped chassis with a reservoir for capturing fluid;

[0016] Figure 7 It is a detailed local cross-sectional view of a mesh assembly with fluid droplets; and

[0017] Figure 8 A process flow diagram of a method for capturing water in the disclosed embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This disclosure relates to a liquid mitigation system, referred to herein as a dry floor system, having a grid assembly including a laminated support interlayer disposed between an upper grid serving as the top layer and a lower wicking layer to increase the grid's durability. The support interlayer employs an array of holes to match the array of holes in the grid structure, and the support interlayer can be made of titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, or other such materials. The support interlayer is typically bonded to the grid with an adhesive and is positioned on top of the lower wicking layer, which may be a carbon veil backing or a similar material. A rigid base layer, typically made of steel or a similar material, is used as the bottom overlay beneath the wicking layer. A dish-shaped chassis receives the laminate and may have sufficient depth to include an absorbent liner or desiccant bag beneath the laminate. The dish-shaped chassis may include frame elements to mount and removably restrain the laminate and secure the entire dry floor assembly to the underlying floor or structure.

[0019] The embodiments disclosed herein can be used on various floor surfaces in airplanes, trains, cruise ships, buses, portable lavatories or kitchens, or in fixed installations in buildings, but for simplicity and not intended to be limiting, by way of example, the embodiments disclosed herein will be described as being used in airplanes. Figure 1 A perspective top view of an aircraft 10, in which an exemplary embodiment may be employed, is shown. The aircraft 10 may include a propulsion system 12, which may include, for example, two turbofan engines 14. Optionally, the propulsion system 12 may include more engines 14 than shown. The engines 14 are carried by the wings 16 of the aircraft 10. In other embodiments, the engines 14 may be carried by the fuselage 18 and / or the tail 20. The tail 20 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 22 and a vertical stabilizer 24.

[0020] The fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 defines an interior compartment that may include a cockpit, one or more work sections (e.g., an in-cabin galley, personal carry-on baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger sections (e.g., first class, business class, and second class sections), and a tail section where a rear rest area can be located. Each of the sections may be separated by a compartment transition area that may include one or more cabin partition components. The interior compartment includes one or more lavatories, and embodiments of this disclosure provide, as examples, systems and methods configured to automatically dry the floors of the lavatories.

[0021] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A top plan view of the interior compartment 30 of an aircraft 10. The interior compartment 30 is located within the fuselage 18 of the exemplary aircraft 10. The interior compartment 30 includes multiple sections: a forward section 32, a first-class section 34 (or, for example, a first-class suite, cabin), a business-class section 36, a forward in-cabin galley station 38 (which may be included in the entrance passage 39), an extended economy or second-class section 40, a standard economy or second-class section 42, and a tail section 44. One or more lavatories 45 may be located within the interior compartment 30. The in-cabin galley station 38, the entrance passage 39, and the lavatories 45 may include a dry floor assembly as described herein, which may be fixed within a portion of the fuselage. The tail section 44 may include multiple lavatories and an in-cabin galley station. It should be understood that the interior compartment 30 may include more or fewer sections than shown. For example, interior cabin 30 may not include a first-class section and may include more or fewer in-cabin galley stations than shown. Each of the sections may be separated by cabin transition areas 46, which may include cabin partition components between aisles 48.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown in the example, the interior compartment 30 also includes two passageways 48 leading to the aft section 44. The aft section 44 may also include an entrance passageway 39. Alternatively, the interior compartment 30 may have fewer or more passageways than shown. For example, the interior compartment 30 may include a single passageway extending through the center of the interior compartment 30 and leading to the aft section 44.

[0023] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary embodiment of a laminated dry floor system 50 is shown. The grid assembly 51 includes a grid 52, a support interlayer 58, a core layer 62, and a base layer 64. The grid 52 has a lattice forming intersecting members 54 that create first array holes 56. In the exemplary embodiment, the members 54 are formed of a thermoplastic material such as polyurethane and have a tapered cross section, as shown in... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The exemplary embodiment shown is a triangle with an upper vertex 55 and a base surface 53. A coating can be used to create a hydrophobic surface on the member 54, which, in combination with the tapered or sloping side surfaces 57 of the member 54 extending from the upper vertex 55 to the base surface 53, enhances the flow of liquid through the mesh 52. Hydrophobic materials or other materials with hydrophobic coatings can alternatively be used for the mesh.

[0024] A support interlayer 58 is adhered to the base surface 53 of the cross member 54 at its upper surface 59 below the grid 52, and this support interlayer has a second array of holes 60 concentrically aligned with the first array holes 56 in the grid. For the non-circular geometry of the first and second arrays, "concentric alignment" is defined as the alignment of the center points of the opposing geometries. The thicknesses of the first array holes 56, the second array holes 60, and the support interlayer, which will be described later, are configured to induce the passage of liquid overflowing onto the dry floor system 50. In this exemplary embodiment, both the first and second arrays are square in shape. However, alternative geometries may be used in one or both of the grid and the support interlayer. In the exemplary embodiment, the material of the support interlayer 58 is titanium. However, aluminum, stainless steel, or other high-strength materials may be used alternatively.

[0025] The wicking layer 62 contacts the lower surface 61 of the support interlayer 58 in a manner opposite to the mesh 52. In an exemplary embodiment, carbon or graphite shielding (or felt) is used in the wicking layer 62. Alternatively or alternatively, glass fiber may be used in the wicking layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the wicking layer 62 is bonded to the lower surface 61 of the support interlayer 58.

[0026] The base layer 64, located beneath the bottom surface 65 of the wicking layer 62, is configured to provide rigidity to the mesh 52, support interlayer 58, and wicking layer 62, thereby allowing a person to walk on the mesh assembly 51 without deformation. The base layer 64 also includes a third array of holes 66 configured to allow liquid to transfer from the wicking layer 62 through the base layer 64. In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer is steel or other metallic material.

[0027] The chassis assembly 70 receives the mesh assembly 51 and secures the dry floor system 50 to the lower floor or structure of the aircraft fuselage 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis assembly includes a disc-shaped chassis 72 having an edge 73 configured to engage with the bottom edge 76 of the base layer 64. The disc-shaped chassis 72 includes a cavity 78. The cavity 78 is configured to collect and / or redirect liquid passing through the mesh 52. In an exemplary embodiment, an absorbent liner 80 is disposed within the cavity 78. Liquid passing through the mesh 52, the support interlayer 58, the wicking layer 62, and the base layer 64 is collected in the disc-shaped chassis 72. Figure 3BThe absorbent pad 80 seen in the image can be housed in the cavity 78 to absorb liquid for subsequent removal. In other embodiments, the absorbent pad 80 may be omitted, and liquid may be allowed to accumulate in the dish-shaped chassis 72. The liquid can then be removed from the dish-shaped chassis 72 at a convenient time later (e.g., between flights and / or during scheduled maintenance cycles) (e.g., via vacuum). It can be noted that the dish-shaped chassis 72 may be separate from its associated floor (e.g., configured as an insertable replacement that can be retrofitted to an existing location), or in other examples, the dish-shaped chassis may be an integral part of the floor system of a room or facility into which the dry floor system 50 is inserted.

[0028] like Figure 5 As shown, the chassis assembly 70 is configured to be placed in the floor (e.g., the floor chassis of a commercial aircraft). Various surrounding members 74 are used to integrate or fair (make flat) the dish chassis 72 and grid assembly 51 into the floor chassis. These surrounding members include an auxiliary wall edge 74a, a threshold edge 74b, a side wall edge 74c, and a toilet edge 74d. For embodiments in the galley or entrance, the toilet edge 74d can be replaced with a second side wall or threshold edge. Each surrounding member 74 includes one or more magnets 82 for securing the corresponding surrounding member 74 to the dish chassis 72 via magnetic attraction between the magnets 82 and the edge 84 of the dish chassis 72 or other magnetic elements in the chassis assembly 70 or grid assembly 51. In various instances, the surrounding members can be used to allow for the use of standardized grid sizes, wherein the surrounding members adapt to variations in grid sizes in different environments (e.g., lavatories of different sizes).

[0029] In some instances, the chassis assembly can be used to redirect fluid to additional or supplemental storage tanks. For example, Figure 6 A side sectional view of a chassis assembly formed according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the illustrated example dry floor system 50 may also include a reservoir 90 in fluid communication with a dish-shaped chassis 72. The dish-shaped chassis 72 includes a sloping floor 92 within a cavity 78, configured to direct fluid to the reservoir 90. For example, the reservoir 90 may be positioned on one side of the dish-shaped chassis 72, providing a more convenient location for removing liquid from the dry floor system 50. The reservoir 90 may be used to collect and store liquid, or additionally or alternatively, the reservoir may hold an absorbent liner for collecting the liquid.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh 52 is formed of a non-flammable material. As used herein, a non-flammable material is one that meets the non-flammability standards or regulations for commercial aircraft. The mesh 52 can be cast using a thermosetting resin. As an example, 892 polyurethane can be used to form the mesh 52. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the mesh 52 has a hydrophobic coating, which helps to encourage water to flow downwards along the tapered surface of the mesh 52 and toward the wicking layer 62 and the dish-shaped chassis 72.

[0031] The mesh assembly 51 is configured to transport water or other liquids to the wicking layer 62 and then through the third array of holes 66 in the base layer 64 into the disc-shaped chassis 72. The hole sizes in the first array of holes in the mesh are determined to prevent high heels or thin heels from being inserted into the holes; therefore, the hole sizes must be relatively small. Figure 7 As shown, in order to ensure that substantially all water flows through the first array aperture 56 in the grid 52 and the aligned second array aperture 60 in the support interlayer 58, the support interlayer 58 and the associated bonding lines between the grid and the support interlayer and between the support interlayer and the wicking layer must have a thickness less than the depth of the dome-shaped or chain-like surface 94, thereby ensuring that water contacts the upper surface 98 of the wicking layer 62 to draw water into the wicking layer, which is formed by the surface tension that holds the water droplets 96 in the first array aperture 56 and the second array aperture 60.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, each hole in the first array of holes 56 in the grid 52 has a width W of approximately 0.27 inches (7 mm), and each member 54 has a height H of 0.05 inches (1.3 mm). The taper of the grid members 54 in the grid 52 determines the width of each hole in the first array of holes 56 adjacent to the substrate surface 53. For the triangular cross-section of this exemplary embodiment, this results in a width W' = W - (2(Htanθ)), where θ is the base angle and H is the height of the grid member 54. The thickness T of the support interlayer can be defined as a function of the hole dimensions in the grid and the support interlayer. In an exemplary embodiment, a support interlayer using titanium provides a satisfactory wicking thickness of 0.020 inches (0.5 mm). The bonding of the support interlayer 58 to the grid 52 and the wicking layer 62 to the support interlayer 58 is achieved by epoxy resin, and this bonding provides a bonding line thickness t between 0.0005 and 0.005 inches, nominally 0.001 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the support interlayer can therefore be expressed as T≤(((0.020+2(0.005)) / (0.27-(2x 1.62x 0.05))x W or T≤0.194W, where θ is denoted as 45°. The use of alternative materials such as stainless steel allows for thinner support interlayer thicknesses of 0.005 inches to 0.010 inches, which can accommodate smaller aperture widths if necessary.

[0033] like Figure 8 As shown, the disclosed embodiment provides a method 800 for maintaining a dry floor. In step 802, a grid 52 is supported by a support interlayer 58 adhered beneath the grid. In step 804, liquid overflowing onto the dry floor is received in the grid 52. The grid 52 has a lattice of intersecting members 54 forming first array holes 56, and the support interlayer 58 has second array holes 60 concentrically aligned with the first array holes. In step 806, liquid is received through the second array holes 60, wherein the support interlayer 58 has a thickness configured to induce contact between the liquid and an wicking layer 62 adhered to a lower surface 61 of the support interlayer 58. Then, in step 808, liquid is conveyed from the bottom surface 65 of the wicking layer 62 through a third array hole 66 in a base layer 64 beneath the wicking layer. In step 810, the liquid is then received in a chassis assembly 70. In step 812, the liquid can then be removed from the cavity 78 in the disc chassis 72 of the chassis assembly at a specified maintenance interval, or in step 814, the liquid can be absorbed into an absorbent liner 80 positioned in the cavity of the disc chassis. In step 816, the absorbent liner 80 can then be removed at a maintenance interval. Alternatively, in step 818, the liquid can be drained from the disc chassis 72 into the reservoir 90.

[0034] Different embodiments have now been described in detail in accordance with the requirements of patent law, and those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and substitutions to these specific embodiments disclosed herein. Such modifications are within the scope and intent of the appended claims. In this specification and claims, the terms “comprising,” “incorporate,” “incorporates,” or “incorporating,” “include,” “includes,” or “including,” “has,” “have,” or “having,” and “contain,” “contains,” or “containing” are intended to be an open enumeration and may include additional or equivalent elements. As used herein, the terms “upper” and “lower,” “left” and “right,” “longitudinal” and “lateral,” “forward” and “backward” are used to describe relative positioning and, in addition to the specific embodiments disclosed, may be replaced by appropriate descriptions such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” or “right” and “left,” depending on the orientation of the actual embodiment.

[0035] Clause 1: A laminated dry floor system comprising: a grid having a lattice forming a first array of holes; a support interlayer adhered beneath the grid and having a second array of holes aligned with the first array of holes, the thicknesses of the first array of holes, the second array of holes, and the support interlayer configured to induce liquid passage; an wicking layer in contact with the support interlayer in a manner opposite to the grid; a base layer beneath the wicking layer; and a chassis assembly configured to receive the base layer.

[0036] Clause 2: The laminated dry flooring system as defined in Clause 1, wherein the first array apertures are concentrically aligned with the second array apertures.

[0037] Clause 3: A laminated dry floor system as defined in Clause 1 or 2, wherein the grid comprises a lattice of intersecting members forming the first array holes, each of the intersecting members having a tapered section having an upper vertex and a base surface.

[0038] Clause 4: A laminated dry flooring system as defined in Clause 3, wherein the tapered section is triangular, the triangle having sloping side surfaces extending from the upper vertex to the base surface.

[0039] Clause 5: A laminated dry floor system as defined in any of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the mesh is a thermoplastic material.

[0040] Clause 6: The laminated dry flooring system as defined in Clause 5, wherein the thermoplastic material is polyurethane.

[0041] Clause 7: A laminated dry floor system as defined in any of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the supporting interlayer is titanium.

[0042] Clause 8: A laminated dry floor system as defined in any of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the supporting interlayer is aluminum or stainless steel.

[0043] Clause 9: A laminated dry floor system as defined in any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the supporting interlayer has a thickness T, and each hole in the first array of holes in the grid has a width W, and T ≤ 0.194W.

[0044] Clause 10: A laminated dry floor system as defined in Clause 1, wherein the chassis assembly comprises: a dish-shaped chassis having an edge configured to engage the bottom edge of the base layer, the dish-shaped chassis having a cavity configured to collect liquid passing through the grid; and a plurality of surrounding members configured to lay the dish-shaped chassis flat in the floor on which the chassis assembly is mounted.

[0045] Clause 11: A grid assembly for a dry floor system, the grid assembly comprising: a grid having a lattice forming a first array of holes; a support interlayer adhered beneath the grid and having a second array of holes aligned with the first array of holes, the thicknesses of the first array of holes, the second array of holes, and the support interlayer configured to induce liquid passage; an wicking layer in contact with the support interlayer in a manner opposite to the grid; and a base layer beneath the wicking layer.

[0046] Clause 12: A grid assembly as defined in Clause 11, wherein the grid comprises a lattice of intersecting members forming the first array aperture, each of the intersecting members having a triangular cross section having an inclined side surface extending from the upper vertex to the base surface, and wherein the first array aperture and the second array aperture are concentrically aligned.

[0047] Clause 13: A grid assembly as defined in Clause 11 or 12, wherein the grid is a thermoplastic material.

[0048] Clause 14: The grid assembly as defined in any of Clauses 11 to 13, wherein the supporting interlayer is titanium.

[0049] Clause 15: A grid assembly as defined in any of Clauses 11 to 14, wherein the supporting interlayer has a thickness T, and each of the first array holes in the grid has a width W, and T ≤ 0.194W.

[0050] Clause 16: A method for maintaining a dry floor, the method comprising: supporting the grid by means of a support interlayer adhered beneath the grid; receiving liquid into the grid having a lattice forming a first array of apertures, the support interlayer having a second array of apertures concentrically aligned with the first array of apertures; and receiving liquid through the second array of apertures, the support interlayer having a thickness configured to induce contact between the liquid and an wicking layer adhered to a lower surface of the support interlayer.

[0051] Clause 17: The method as defined in Clause 16 further includes conveying liquid from the bottom surface of the wicking layer through a third array of holes in a base layer located below the wicking layer.

[0052] Clause 18: The method as defined in Clause 17 also includes receiving the liquid in the chassis assembly.

[0053] Clause 19: The method as defined in Clause 18 further includes absorbing liquid into the absorbent liner within a cavity of a disc-shaped chassis positioned in the chassis assembly.

[0054] Clause 20: The method as defined in Clause 18 or 19 further includes draining liquid from the disc-shaped chassis in the chassis assembly into a reservoir.

Claims

1. A laminated dry flooring system, comprising: The grid includes a lattice of intersecting members forming a first array of holes, each of the intersecting members having a tapered section having an upper vertex and a base surface; A support interlayer is attached to the substrate surface of the grid at an upper surface below the grid and has a second array of holes aligned with the first array holes. The thickness of the first array holes, the second array holes, and the support interlayer is configured to induce liquid passage. The support interlayer has a thickness T, and each hole in the first array holes of the grid has a width W, and T ≤ 0.194W. The wicking layer contacts the lower surface of the support interlayer in a manner opposite to the grid, wherein the thickness of the support interlayer and the associated bonding line between the grid and the support interlayer and between the support interlayer and the wicking layer is less than the depth of the chain-like surface formed by the surface tension of the water droplets held in the first and second array holes, thereby ensuring that the water droplets contact the upper surface of the wicking layer. The base layer, below the wicking layer; and A chassis assembly configured to receive the base layer.

2. The laminated dry flooring system according to claim 1, wherein, The first array aperture and the second array aperture are concentrically aligned.

3. The laminated dry flooring system according to claim 1, wherein, The tapered section is triangular, and the triangle has inclined side surfaces extending from the upper vertex to the base surface.

4. The laminated dry flooring system according to claim 1, wherein, The mesh is made of thermoplastic material.

5. The laminated dry flooring system according to claim 4, wherein, The thermoplastic material is polyurethane.

6. The laminated dry flooring system according to claim 1, wherein, The supporting interlayer is made of titanium.

7. The laminated dry flooring system according to claim 1, wherein, The supporting interlayer is made of aluminum or stainless steel.

8. The laminated dry flooring system according to claim 1, wherein, The chassis components include: A dish-shaped chassis having an edge configured to engage the bottom edge of the substrate layer, the dish-shaped chassis having a cavity configured to collect liquid passing through the grid; and Multiple surrounding components are configured to place the disc-shaped chassis flat in a floor on which the chassis assembly is mounted.

9. A grid assembly for a dry floor system, the grid assembly comprising: The grid includes a lattice of intersecting members forming a first array of holes, each of the intersecting members having a tapered section having an upper vertex and a base surface; A support interlayer is attached to the substrate surface of the grid at an upper surface below the grid and has a second array of holes aligned with the first array holes. The thicknesses of the first array holes, the second array holes, and the support interlayer are configured to induce liquid passage. The support interlayer has a thickness T, and each hole in the first array holes of the grid has a width W, and T ≤ 0.194W. A wicking layer contacts the lower surface of the support interlayer in a manner opposite to the grid, wherein the thickness of the support interlayer and the associated bonding lines between the grid and the support interlayer and between the support interlayer and the wicking layer is less than the depth of the chain-like surface formed by the surface tension of the water droplets held in the first and second array holes, thereby ensuring that the water droplets contact the upper surface of the wicking layer; and The base layer is located below the wicking layer.

10. The mesh component according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the cross members has a triangular cross section with an inclined side surface extending from the upper vertex to the base surface, and wherein the first array aperture and the second array aperture are concentrically aligned.

11. The mesh component according to claim 9, wherein, The mesh is made of thermoplastic material.

12. The mesh component according to claim 9, wherein, The supporting interlayer is made of titanium.

13. A method for maintaining a dry floor, the method comprising: The grid is supported by a support interlayer below the grid adhering to the base surface of the grid at the upper surface. The grid includes a lattice of intersecting members forming a first array of holes, each of the intersecting members having a tapered section having an upper vertex and the base surface. Liquid is received into the grid, and the support interlayer has a second array of holes concentrically aligned with the first array of holes; as well as Liquid is received through the second array of apertures. The support interlayer has a thickness configured to induce contact between the liquid and an wicking layer adhered to the lower surface of the support interlayer. The support interlayer has a thickness T, and each aperture in the first array of apertures in the grid has a width W, and T ≤ 0.194W. The thickness of the support interlayer and the associated bonding lines between the grid and the support interlayer and between the support interlayer and the wicking layer is less than the depth of the chain-like surface formed by the surface tension of the water droplet held in the first and second array of apertures, thereby ensuring contact between the water droplet and the upper surface of the wicking layer.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising conveying liquid from the bottom surface of the wicking layer through a third array of holes in a substrate layer located below the wicking layer.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving the liquid in a chassis assembly.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising absorbing the liquid in an absorbent liner within a cavity of a disc-shaped chassis positioned in the chassis assembly.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further comprising draining liquid from the disc-shaped chassis in the chassis assembly into a reservoir.

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