Customizable Tile With Cutting Slots For Modular Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular platform systems lack flexibility and ease in creating differently-configured platforms using the same components, as they are often time-consuming, expensive, inflexible, and ad-hoc in design.
Innovation Solution
A customizable tile design with a tile size adjusting structure that includes channels and cutting slots, allowing for precise size adjustments of the platform area, and the option to use support boards for added support after cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional modular platform systems use fixed-size tiles, then assembly is simple, but flexibility in creating differently-configured platforms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tile is segmented into multiple sections with cutting slots that allow the tile to be divided into smaller sections. This segmentation enables the same tile design to be used in various configurations by cutting it to different sizes, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple different tile types.
Solution Approach 2:
The tile design incorporates adjustable features including cutting slots and support board positions that can be dynamically configured. The support boards can be positioned at different locations along the tile spans, and tiles can be cut to various sizes, allowing the system to adapt to different platform configurations dynamically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tiles are pre-cut to specific sizes, then platform configuration is precise, but changes in platform size require pre-planning and cannot be adjusted on-site
Solution Approach 1:
The tile design includes pre-configured cutting slots and support board attachment points that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows on-site cutting and reconfiguration to be performed quickly and precisely without requiring complex field modifications, reducing the time loss associated with platform reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tile design enables on-site customization through self-contained cutting slots and support board mechanisms. Users can cut tiles to required sizes and reposition support boards independently without requiring specialized equipment or expertise, allowing the platform to be reconfigured on-site without external assistance.
3Reliability
If support structures are added for cut tiles, then structural integrity is maintained, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support board function is merged with the tile design itself. The support boards are integrated into the tile structure through standardized attachment mechanisms that are part of the tile design, eliminating the need for separate support structures and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support boards serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for cut tiles, enable adjustable tile configurations, and can be positioned at various locations along the tile spans. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A customizable tile is configured for use with a modular platform system that uses tiles, beams supporting the tiles, and legs supporting the beams. The customizable tiles include a tile sizing structure on an underside thereof. The tile sizing structure includes channels and cutting slots extending in different directions so that the channels and cutting slots intersect. The cutting slots act as a guide to cut the tile to alter its width and/or length so that the tile has a customized size for use in the modular platform system. The channels are configured to receive a support board, if necessary, to provide support for the tile on the beams once the tile is cut to size. The channels can also connect to the beams for tile support if need be.