Floor Drying Adapter for Water-Damaged Flooring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for drying water-damaged floors without existing ventilating spaces require removal and replacement of flooring, which is inefficient and inconvenient, especially when the flooring is installed directly on flat subfloors like concrete or wooden subfloors.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that create a wedge-shaped ventilating space by elevating the end portion of the flooring, allowing airflow through a controlled opening, which can be closed post-drying without replacing the flooring, using an adapter with a pushing mechanism and airflow conditioning means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flooring is installed directly on flat subfloor without existing ventilating space, then installation simplicity is improved, but drying capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the floor structure into separable components by introducing removable adapters that can be inserted through openings in the flooring. These adapters create segmented airflow paths through the subfloor, enabling drying functionality to be added without removing the original flooring installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the flooring and subfloor. It includes a pushing mechanism that interfaces with the subfloor and an opening in the flooring, creating airflow passages without requiring removal of the flooring itself. This intermediary enables the transition from a sealed installation to a ventilated drying state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flooring is removed to create ventilating space for drying, then drying capability is improved, but flooring integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing the flooring itself, the invention extracts only the necessary function (ventilation) by inserting adapters through small openings. The flooring remains in place and intact, while the adapter provides the ventilation function temporarily during drying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is a temporary device that is discarded after serving its drying purpose. The flooring is recovered in its original state without damage, as the adapter is removed after drying is complete. This allows the flooring to be reused without replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If opening is formed in flooring for adapter insertion, then airflow capability is improved, but flooring surface quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening required for adapter insertion is localized to a small, discrete area rather than requiring extensive removal of flooring. This localized intervention minimizes the impact on overall flooring surface quality while providing sufficient airflow capability for drying operations.
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 effective drying of water-damaged floors without removing the flooring, maintaining its original state and finish, with minimal mechanical damage and no need for external lifting devices, while allowing for airflow between layers for enhanced drying.
Implementation Method 1
creating and forcing an airflow from a surrounding space through the opening into the ventilating space through the air passage and back to the surrounding space
Implementation Method 2
elevating the end portion of the flooring from the subfloor for creating therebetween a ventilating space... for drying a water damaged floor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A water damaged floor (10) is dried by forming an opening (18) in a flooring (14) of the floor and creating and forcing an airflow from a surrounding space (28) through the opening (18) into a ventilating space between the flooring (14) and a subfloor (22). According to the invention, an end portion of the flooring (14) is elevated from the subfloor (22) for creating said ventilating space and for creating an air passage (27) between the ventilating space and the surrounding space (28) at an edge of the flooring (14).