Flexible Water-Obstructing Threshold for Wheelchair Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water-obstructing thresholds pose obstacles for disabled individuals, particularly those in wheelchairs, due to their rigid nature, which can cause discomfort and pain upon passage.
Innovation Solution
A water-obstructing threshold with a flexible and/or resilient elongate element that compresses under load, allowing for easier passage and returning to its original form when unloaded, integrated with a profile for anchoring and upright surfaces for watertight sealing, and a force distributor to manage stress and prevent cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid water-obstructing threshold is used, then water obstruction effectiveness is improved, but accessibility for disabled individuals and wheelchair users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold profile is designed to be deformable and adaptable, changing its shape under load to accommodate wheelchair passage while maintaining water obstruction. The profile can compress vertically when pressed by a wheelchair wheel, creating a temporary passage, then returns to its original position to block water.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the threshold profile changes from rigid to flexible under load, allowing it to adapt its properties based on the applied force. The material or structural design enables the profile to transition between a water-blocking state and a wheelchair-accessible state through parameter changes in rigidity and compressibility.
2Strength
If a rigid threshold is used, then structural strength is improved, but comfort for wheelchair users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold incorporates flexible profile elements that can deform under wheelchair wheel pressure, allowing the wheelchair to pass over without the harsh impact of a rigid barrier. The flexible profile absorbs the mechanical energy of the wheel passage while maintaining overall structural integrity through its connection to the floor and frame.
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 provides a comfortable and effective water-obstructing barrier that minimizes stress and prevents leakage, ensuring easy wheelchair access while maintaining watertightness and versatility in length and installation.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible and/or resilient part is configured to form an at least partially compressible threshold between the support structures. When normally placed, the threshold thus extends horizontally between the support structures. When for instance a wheelchair user travels over the threshold according to the invention, it will be compressed at the position of the flexible and/or resilient part, whereby the wheelchair user will experience the threshold as less of an uncomfortable obstacle. Once the load has been removed from the threshold, it will spring back to its original form.
Implementation Method 2
The profile can be manufactured from a hard plastic or a metal such as aluminium. Owing to the hard form the profile can be effectively used for the purpose of anchoring the threshold on or in an underlying floor such as a covering floor.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a water-obstructing threshold. The invention also relates to a water-obstructing frame provided with such a water-obstructing threshold. The invention further relates to a building with such a water-obstructing frame and to a method for placing the water-obstructing threshold according to the invention. The water-obstructing threshold comprises an elongate element which is or can be connected to the profile, comprising a flexible and/or resilient part. The flexible and/or resilient part is configured here to form an at least partially compressible threshold between the support structures.