Edge Attachment for Portable Ground Flooring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable ground flooring systems face challenges in providing quick, stable, and secure deployment on uneven or wet surfaces, often requiring external fasteners like hook and loop connectors which are not desirable in all cases.
Innovation Solution
The development of edge attachment members made from thermo-formed and co-extruded plastic, which can secure flooring panels edge-to-edge without external items, using methods like ultrasonic welding, solvent welding, or glue, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining strength and adaptability to various ground shapes and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hook and loop connectors are used to attach flooring panels, then the panels can be connected and secured, but the system becomes more complex and requires external fasteners that are not always desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flooring panel and fastening mechanism into a single integrated unit. The fastening elements are molded directly into the panel edges during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate external fasteners. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure panel connection while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flooring panels are designed with self-fastening capabilities through integrated interlocking mechanisms. The panels attach to each other using their own built-in structural features rather than requiring external fastening systems. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional components while ensuring reliable connection.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional flooring systems are used on uneven ground, then coverage can be achieved, but the flooring lacks stability and levelness
Solution Approach 1:
The flooring panels incorporate flexible or adjustable elements that allow the structure to adapt to uneven ground surfaces. The panels can dynamically adjust their position and orientation to maintain levelness while covering irregular terrain, resolving the contradiction between extensive ground coverage and maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flooring system uses locally adapted support mechanisms at different panel locations. Each panel can be independently adjusted or supported based on the specific ground conditions at that location, allowing the overall system to maintain levelness and stability across varied terrain while achieving comprehensive coverage.
3Productivity
If flooring systems are designed for quick deployment, then setup time is reduced, but assembly may lack sufficient strength and security
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanisms are pre-integrated into the panel structures during manufacturing. The interlocking features, attachment points, and securing elements are already in place before deployment, allowing for rapid assembly without compromising strength. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by enabling quick deployment while maintaining robust connections.
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 the creation of a solid, manipulable floor that can be quickly deployed on any ground shape and wetness characteristics, providing a stable and secure surface without the need for external fasteners, while allowing for efficient storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the edge attachment members are secured to the panels through ultrasonic welding
Implementation Method 2
the edge attachment members can be secured to the slats through solvent welding
Data Source
AI summary
A portable flooring system has one or more edge attachment members which can be used to quickly connect and secure panels or slats of the flooring system for deployment, installation and use, in one embodiment, the edge attachment elements are ultrasonically welded or otherwise permanently affixed to the flooring panels.