Arcuate Lugs for Non-Slip Surface Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for slippery surfaces, such as non-slip materials and granular applications, are difficult to clean, harsh on bare skin, and fail to provide adequate slip resistance, especially along edges, leading to potential injuries and are costly.
Innovation Solution
Creating arcuate lugs on surfaces by cutting an arc and bending the material to form raised and twisted features that are square to the direction of potential slippage, which can be applied to edges of steps, tiles, and other surfaces without adding extra material, using techniques like laser cutting and bending with a punch and die.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-slip material is applied to the surface, then slip resistance is improved, but the surface becomes difficult to clean and the material wears down over time
Solution Approach 1:
The surface is segmented into multiple arcuate lugs that are integrated into the step structure itself, rather than applying a continuous non-slip material layer. This segmentation allows each lug to provide slip resistance independently while maintaining cleanability between the lugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-slip function is extracted from a separate applied material and integrated directly into the step structure through formed lugs. This eliminates the need for additional non-slip materials that would wear down and be difficult to clean.
2Reliability
If granular material is applied to the surface, then slip resistance is improved, but the surface becomes harsh on bare skin and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The lugs are formed with arcuate (curved) shapes that wrap around the step edges, providing slip resistance through their curved geometry rather than through sharp granular edges. This curvature eliminates skin irritation while maintaining effective slip resistance.
3Reliability
If sharp horizontal corrugations are formed on the surface, then slip resistance is improved, but sideways slipping still occurs and the surface is harsh on bare skin
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate lugs are positioned asymmetrically along the step edges, wrapping around corners at specific intervals rather than forming uniform horizontal corrugations. This asymmetric arrangement provides slip resistance in multiple directions including sideways slipping, while the roundedlug shapes prevent skin irritation.
4Reliability
If plank grated steps with serrated openings are used, then slip resistance is provided on the horizontal surface, but the serrated openings are harsh on bare skin and corners remain slippery
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate lugs are strategically positioned at specific locations along the step edges, particularly at corners and along the leading edges where slip resistance is most needed. This localized approach provides slip resistance where required while maintaining cleanability and avoiding skin irritation, rather than applying a uniform grated pattern across the entire surface.
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 arcuate lugs provide effective slip resistance, are easy to clean, and do not harm bare skin, while being economical and applicable to various slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing safety with optional illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a laser is used to cut an arc of approximately 180 degrees by one half inch in radius in the surface of the step material
Implementation Method 2
a ninety degree bend in the material is formed along the center line with an appropriate punch and die, raising and twisting the arc in relation to the surface of the step to form a series of arcuate lugs
Data Source
AI summary
A non-slip surface is provided comprising a surface having at least one arcuate lug, said arcuate lug comprising a raised center portion and raised and twisted side portions for preventing slippage. Additionally, a process is provided comprising the steps of cutting an arc into a surface, raising and twisting said arc in relation to said surface by bending said surface along a secant perpendicular to a line connecting the midpoint of said arc and the secant, creating at least one arcuate lug in said surface.