Elastic Hook-and-Loop Floor Mat Fastening for Tight Vehicle Floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrically powered vehicles, the limited installation space in the vehicle floor due to batteries poses a challenge for efficiently installing and removing floor mat assemblies without compromising the vehicle's space or requiring complex fastening methods.
Innovation Solution
A floor mat assembly featuring a hook-and-loop connection system with an elastic connecting device that connects a base plate and a counter plate, allowing for easy installation and removal without the need for adhesive bonds or complex anchoring in the vehicle floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hook-and-loop elements are firmly glued to the vehicle floor, then the floor mat connection is stable and secure, but the installation space is consumed and the floor structure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The floor mat assembly is divided into separate components: a floor mat with a second hook-and-loop element, and a floor covering with a first hook-and-loop element. These segments connect through the hook-and-loop mechanism without requiring permanent floor modifications, reducing installation space requirements while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook-and-loop connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the floor mat and vehicle floor. Instead of directly gluing the floor mat to the floor, the patent uses the hook-and-loop elements as a mediator that provides secure connection without consuming valuable installation space or complicating the floor structure.
2Reliability
If retaining elements are anchored in holes in the vehicle floor, then the floor mat is firmly secured, but the floor structure is complicated and installation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchoring function from the vehicle floor structure itself. Instead of creating holes and installing retaining elements in the floor, the floor covering with its integrated first hook-and-loop element provides the anchoring function, leaving the vehicle floor structure simple and unmodified.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor covering serves as an intermediary layer between the vehicle floor and the floor mat. It contains the first hook-and-loop element that secures the floor mat without requiring modifications to the vehicle floor structure, thus maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring firm securing.
3Reliability
If adhesive bonds are used to fasten the floor mat, then the connection is stable, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hook-and-loop connection provides a dynamic fastening system that can be easily engaged and disengaged. Unlike static adhesive bonds that require time-consuming application and removal processes, the hook-and-loop mechanism allows for quick installation by simply pressing the elements together and equally quick removal by pulling them apart, significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook-and-loop connection is self-servicing in terms of installation and removal. It does not require external tools, adhesives, or complex procedures. The user can independently install by pressing the elements together and remove by pulling them apart, eliminating the time-consuming processes associated with adhesive application and cleanup.
4Reliability
If complex fastening methods are used to secure the floor mat, then the connection is stable, but the ease of operation for installation and removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hook-and-loop elements function as temporary, reusable fastening components rather than permanent fixtures. They can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged without degradation of performance, providing easy operation for installation and removal while maintaining stable connection during use. This approach is far simpler than complex mechanical fastening systems.
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 enables a compact, space-efficient floor mat assembly that can be easily installed and removed, reducing installation time and preserving vehicle space, while maintaining a secure and stable connection.
Implementation Method 1
a connection system connects the base plate and the counter plate to one another, the connection system having an elastic connecting device
Implementation Method 2
the second hook-and-loop element is connected to the first hook-and-loop element by means of a hook-and-loop connection
Data Source
AI summary
A floor mat assembly has a counter plate that is fastened to a floor covering. A connection system connects a base plate to the counter plate. The connection system is at least partly formed with an elastic connecting device. The connecting device is preferably formed on a side of the base plate and a side of the counter plate, these sides facing one another and lying opposite one another along a connection system axis perpendicular through these sides.