Elastic Floor Mat Attachment for Tight EV Floor Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrically powered vehicles, the limited installation space in the floor due to batteries poses a challenge for traditional floor mat arrangements, which often require significant space and are difficult to install and remove.

Innovation Solution

A floor mat arrangement utilizing a connection system with an elastic connection device that connects a base plate and a counter plate, allowing for a space-saving design and easy installation/removal, featuring an elastic connecting device with thermoplastic and/or elastic properties, such as polyesters, polyamides, and/or propylenes, and locking elements that facilitate snap connections without adhesive bonds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional floor mat arrangements are used with adhesive bonds and rigid connections, then the floor mat is securely attached, but the installation space increases and installation/removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The floor mat arrangement is divided into separate components: a floor covering with a base plate, a floor mat with a counter plate, and an elastic connection device that links them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy installation and removal without requiring large installation space or adhesive bonds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic connection device provides a dynamic connection between the base plate and counter plate, allowing the assembly to adapt to space constraints while maintaining secure attachment. The elastic properties enable the connection to be made and broken easily, facilitating quick installation and removal without permanent bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional floor mat arrangements with rigid connections and adhesive bonds are used, then stable attachment is achieved, but installation and removal become time-consuming and damage-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic connection device enables dynamic attachment and detachment of the floor mat. The elastic elements can be quickly engaged and disengaged without adhesive bonds, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining stable attachment during use. This eliminates the time-consuming process of applying and curing adhesives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic connection device allows for easy recovery and reuse of the floor mat components. The connection can be quickly released and re-engaged multiple times without damage, enabling the floor mat to be removed, cleaned, or repositioned without time loss or damage risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Strength

If adhesive bonds are used to attach hook-and-loop fasteners, then firm connection is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and damage-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into mechanical components (elastic connection device with locking elements) that replace adhesive bonds. This eliminates the need for complex adhesive application processes, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining strong connections through mechanical interlocking of the elastic elements with the plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution minimizes installation space, enables quick and damage-free installation/removal of the floor mat, and maintains stability while ensuring a visually uniform appearance.

Implementation Method 1

a connection system (16) which connects the base plate (88) and the counter plate (38) to each other, wherein the connection system (16) has an elastic connection device (90)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first hook-and-loop fastener (18, 20) with a base plate (88); a counter plate (38) which is at least partially arranged on the floor covering (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4556310B1Flat footmat attachment with climbing elements
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 GOTTLIEB BINDER
  • EP4556310B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4556310B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4556310B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a floor mat arrangement (8) in which a counter plate (38) is fastened to a floor covering (12). A connection system (16) connects a base plate (88) to the counter plate (38). The connection system (16) is at least partially formed with an elastic connection device (90). The connection device (90) is preferably formed on one side (74) of the base plate (88) and one side (60) of the counter plate (38), wherein these sides (74, 60) face one another and lie opposite one another along a connection system axis perpendicular through these sides (74, 60).