Batten Support Head With Clip-Fit Slat Locking on Uneven Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing batten fixing structures face issues with uneven subfloors requiring wedges for leveling, slat orientation adjustments causing unevenness, and loose slats leading to vibrations and oscillations during installation.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a U-shaped head and notches for elastic clip adjustment of slats, fixed by screws without bases, allowing level adjustment and secure fixation without tools, eliminating the need for wedges and ensuring stable slat positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded heads are used on pedestals to allow orientation adjustment, then the ability to correct head orientation is improved, but the level stability deteriorates because rotation changes the head level on the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The head is segmented into a rotatable orientation adjustment component and a fixed leveling component. The rotatable part allows orientation correction while the fixed base maintains consistent leveling, separating the two functions that were previously coupled in the threaded head design.
Solution Approach 2:
The head incorporates a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows orientation adjustment without affecting the vertical position. This dynamic element enables orientation correction while maintaining static level stability, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and precision.
2Ease of operation
If slats are loosely fitted on pedestal heads, then the ease of installation is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates due to vibrations and oscillations in battens
Solution Approach 1:
The slat and head incorporate self-locking features that automatically secure the slat firmly to the head during installation. The elastic clip mechanism self-adjusts to clamp the slat tightly, providing both easy installation and stable fixation without requiring additional fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clip uses curved or flexible elements that deform during installation to grip the slat. This curvature allows the clip to flex during easy insertion while maintaining firm contact and preventing vibrations once installed.
3Productivity
If tool-free clip adjustment is used for slats, then the assembly speed is improved, but the fixation reliability may deteriorate without mechanical fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clip mechanism is designed to self-tighten during the tool-free installation process. As the slat is inserted, the elastic element deforms and automatically clamps down, providing reliable fixation without requiring tools or additional fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clip changes its physical state from a relaxed configuration during insertion to a compressed, high-force configuration during clamping. This parameter change enables the same component to provide both easy installation and reliable fixation.
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
Enables quick, tool-free assembly of slat grids on uneven surfaces, preventing slat shifting and vibrations, and maintaining consistent height without compromising leveling, thus simplifying installation and enhancing stability.
Implementation Method 1
each side wall of the head comprises at least one notch. Thus, the device comprises at least two notches, one for each side wall. The notches in the side walls are configured to allow for a clip-type adjustment (by exerting an elastic force) of a second slat configured to be fixed to the head covering the housing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Support device (100) for batten fixing structure comprising a head (101) comprising a U-shaped geometry defining a housing (102) by means of a bottom (103) and two side walls (104) projected from the bottom (103), and configured to receive a first slat (200) in the housing (102). Each side wall (104) comprises notches (106) configured to permit a clip-type adjustment of a second slat (300) configured to be fixed to the head (101). The device (100) comprises at least two tabs (105) projected from the bottom (103) of the housing (102). Each tab (105) comprises a height less than the height of the side walls (104) and spans a length less than the length of the side of the bottom (103) wherefrom it projects, so that there are respective openings between each tab (105) and the side walls (104).