Chair mat having rug rolling surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roller chairs struggle to move smoothly on rugs and carpets due to the resistance from these surfaces, and they can damage hard flooring when casters roll over them, necessitating the use of chair mats to provide a smooth surface while protecting the floor.
Innovation Solution
A chair mat with a rigid layer, a strength layer, and a fabric floor covering that can be folded for compact storage, featuring a rug layer with no pile or nap, a bonded strength layer for durability, and an anti-skid layer for stability, all integrated with polyvinyl chloride sheets for a hard and smooth rolling surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hard plastic chair mat is used to provide a smooth rolling surface, then the rolling surface quality improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple layers and folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The chair mat is divided into multiple rigid layer members (first rigid layer member, second rigid layer member) that can be folded relative to each other about a hinge, allowing the mat to be segmented for storage while maintaining a smooth rolling surface when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The chair mat combines multiple materials including rigid plastic layers, fabric floor covering, and strength layer to create a composite structure that provides both smooth rolling surface and structural integrity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the chair mat is made rigid to protect the floor, then the protective function improves, but the ease of storage worsens due to inability to fold
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid chair mat is segmented into multiple rigid layer members connected by a hinge, enabling the mat to be folded into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining rigidity and floor protection when in use
Solution Approach 2:
The chair mat transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic folded structure through the hinge mechanism, allowing it to adapt between providing floor protection and compact storage
Data Source
AI summary
A chair mat has a top that is a rug or carpet so that the chair mat has the appearance of an area rug. A woven or knitted rug is attached to a mesh material that can carry the loads that are applied to the rug top to hold the rug top from stretching or bunching when casters of a wheeled chair move over the rug top. The chair mat has a rigid layer to which a woven or knitted rug is attached to provide a hard underlying surface over when the wheeled chair may more easily move. The chair mat may be hinged to permit the chair mat to be folded to a smaller configuration where it is more readily stored or transported.