Floor Recess Adapter for Frame Spar Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing and storage processes for frames with and without floor recesses are costly and inefficient, as they require producing and stocking different types of frames, which limits flexibility and increases expenses.

Innovation Solution

A floor recess adapter device that can be fastened to a frame spar to create a floor recess area, allowing for adjustable and reversible conversion of frames without a floor recess into frames with a floor recess, enabling on-site fine adjustments and simplifying production and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different types of frames (with/without floor recess) are produced and kept in stock, then the specific functional requirements for different applications (drywall stud frames vs solid walls) are met, but the manufacturing cost and storage requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single frame spar design is made universal by adding a floor recess adapter element that can be attached when needed. The adapter element transforms the basic frame into a floor recess frame, allowing one base product to serve multiple functions (with or without floor recess) depending on attachment configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The floor recess functionality is segmented into a separate adapter element rather than being integrated into the frame spar itself. This allows the frame to be produced without the floor recess feature, and the adapter is only added when required, reducing manufacturing complexity and storage requirements for different frame variants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If different types of frames (with/without floor recess) are produced and kept in stock, then the specific functional requirements for different applications are met, but the variety of frame types increases production and storage complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe functionalityVSAvoidframe type variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame spar is designed as a universal base component that can function both with and without a floor recess depending on whether the adapter element is attached. This eliminates the need to produce and manage multiple specialized frame types in inventory

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The floor recess adapter element can be attached or detached based on the specific application requirements, allowing the same frame to adapt to different functional needs without requiring different frame types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a floor recess adapter element is made releasably fastenable to the frame spar, then on-site adjustment and fine-tuning of the floor recess area are enabled, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveon-site adjustabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter element is designed with releasable fastening mechanisms that allow it to be attached, detached, and repositioned on-site. This dynamic connection system enables adjustment of the floor recess area while maintaining structural integrity during installation and use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter element is pre-configured with fastening features and geometric constraints that guide its attachment to the frame spar. This preliminary design of the connection interface simplifies the on-site assembly process despite the releasable nature of the fastening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3346084A1Floor recess adapter device, frame beam and floor recess frame
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 HORMANN KG FREISEN
  • EP3346084A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3346084A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3346084A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A floor-mount adapter device (10) for forming a floor-mount frame (60) with floor mounting (B) comprises a floor mounting adapter element (12) which is designed to be attachable to a frame member (14) in such a way that, in the installed state, a floor mounting area (62) projecting beyond the frame member (14) is formed to create the floor mounting (B).