Articulating Raised Access Floor Panel with Diagonal Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing raised access floor systems require repositioning and level adjustment of pedestal support legs when installing floor panels with different dimensions, leading to costly and inefficient design-build approaches, where new panels are fabricated to fit specific installations, and are not adaptable to varying configurations without modifying the pedestal support system.
Innovation Solution
An articulating corner raised access floor panel with diagonal clear slots and open channel members allows for horizontal and vertical adjustment, enabling interchangeable fit with existing pedestal support systems without modifying the existing pedestal support system, using a bar member that slides within the channel and is adjustable via leveling screws for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floor panels are installed in existing raised access floor systems with fixed pedestal support legs, then the panels can be supported and used, but repositioning and level adjustment of the pedestal support legs are required when panel dimensions differ from the original installation
Solution Approach 1:
The floor panel incorporates articulating mechanisms including diagonal clear slots and open channel members with bar members that can slide horizontally and bar members with leveling screws that can be adjusted vertically. These dynamic elements allow the panel to adapt to different pedestal positions and heights without requiring modification to the existing pedestal support system, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The panel design allows for parameter changes in position and orientation through the articulating mechanisms. The diagonal clear slots enable horizontal adjustment by allowing bar members to slide to different positions, while the leveling screws with accessible upper ends enable vertical height adjustment. This capability to change parameters directly addresses the need to accommodate varying panel dimensions and pedestal configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pedestal support system is modified to accommodate different panel configurations, then adaptability is improved, but the existing pedestal support system must be altered which is costly and time intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the pedestal support system to accommodate different panels, the invention inverts the approach by equipping the panels themselves with articulating mechanisms that enable them to adapt to the existing fixed pedestal system. This reversal eliminates the need to alter the pedestal support infrastructure while achieving the same adaptability goal
Solution Approach 2:
The floor panel is designed with universal articulating mechanisms that can accommodate multiple configurations and work with existing pedestal support systems without modification. The diagonal clear slots, open channel members, sliding bar members, and adjustable leveling screws create a multi-functional panel that can adapt to various panel dimensions and pedestal positions, providing universality without requiring costly modifications to the existing system
3Manufacturing precision
If new panels are fabricated specifically to fit a specific original installation, then a precise fit is achieved, but the design-build approach is costly and time intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating mechanisms are pre-built into the floor panels during manufacturing, including the diagonal clear slots, open channel members, sliding bar members, and leveling screws. This preliminary action ensures that the panels are ready to adapt to various configurations without requiring custom fabrication or on-site adjustments, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving installation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The panel incorporates built-in dynamic adjustment capabilities through its articulating mechanisms, allowing installers to easily reposition and level the panels on-site without requiring custom fabrication. The sliding bar members and adjustable leveling screws enable precise positioning while maintaining standard manufacturing processes, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating raised access floor panel is provided. The floor panel plate has upper and lower surfaces, four edges defining four corner portions, and a diagonal clear slot positioned at each of the corner portions. A diagonal channel member is connected to the lower surface at each of the corner portions so that the channel member extends axially and parallel with the clear slot. A bar is slidably received in each of the channel members. The bar includes a leveling screw capable of operation through the clear slot so that the plate is capable of vertical adjustment with respect to a pedestal support system.