Carpet Tile Anchor With Resilient Blade for Alignment Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Carpet tiles tend to creep or move out of alignment during installation and under heavy loads, leading to an unsightly appearance and increased maintenance and replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
A cross-shaped anchor with bendable and resilient arms and a vertical blade is used to secure carpet tiles to pedestal heads or stringers, preventing lateral movement and maintaining alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If carpet tiles are installed without an anchor device, then installation is simple and quick, but the carpet tiles creep or move out of alignment during installation and under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device is segmented into a base portion that attaches to the pedestal head and a blade portion that engages the carpet tile backing. This segmentation allows the alignment function to be separated from the installation process, providing precision without complicating the overall installation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor device serves as an intermediary component between the pedestal head and the carpet tile. It mediates the connection by providing a mechanical interface that prevents lateral movement while maintaining simplicity in the installation process through its snap-fit design.
2Manufacturing precision
If a traditional anchor device is used to secure carpet tiles, then alignment is maintained, but the anchor creates noticeable depression or protrusion in the carpet tile
Solution Approach 1:
The blade portion of the anchor is designed with local quality characteristics - it has a specific height and cross-sectional shape that allows it to engage the carpet tile backing effectively while remaining substantially flush with the carpet surface. The blade height is optimized to provide anchoring function without creating noticeable protrusion or depression.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is made from a resilient material that allows it to flex slightly during installation and under load, maintaining close contact with the carpet tile backing while conforming to the carpet surface. This flexibility helps the blade remain substantially flush with the carpet while still providing effective anchoring.
3Reliability
If the anchor blade is made rigid to prevent movement, then alignment is maintained under heavy loads, but the anchor cannot accommodate variations in carpet tile thickness or installation tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed with dynamic characteristics - it has sufficient rigidity to maintain alignment under heavy loads but also possesses resilient properties that allow it to flex and adapt to variations in carpet tile thickness and installation tolerances. This dynamic design enables the blade to function effectively across a range of conditions without compromising alignment stability.
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 anchor effectively keeps carpet tiles aligned with access floor panels, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring a consistent appearance by preventing misalignment and depression or protrusion.
Implementation Method 1
The blade is preferably made of bendable and resilient material, such as nylon
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor for a carpet tile includes a cross-shaped base having four arms extending from a vertex. The arms form a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface. A vertical blade centered on the base rises to engage the backing of a carpet tile when a corner of the carpet tile is placed near the vertex. The blade is preferably made of bendable and resilient material. Preferably, the anchor is used with a pedestal head of a raised-flooring system and has a nub extending from the bottom surface of each of the arms of the base to fit within holes in the pedestal head and thereby secure the anchor to the pedestal head. An alternative anchor includes a plate for the base and the blade in the shape of a cross rises from the plate. The plate may have a hole in each quadrant defined by the blade.