Floor Support Element Adaptation for Non-Rectilinear Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support elements for floor coverings are limited to use with rectilinear walls and cannot accommodate non-rectilinear or corner geometries, lacking flexibility in adjustment and compatibility with modern architectural designs.

Innovation Solution

A support element assembly featuring a base with a stopping member and connection tab that allows for translation and rotation relative to the elevation stud, incorporating windows for spacer pieces and a notched flap for adapting to various wall geometries, along with perforations for secure fixation, enabling flexible positioning and compatibility with non-rectilinear walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a support element with a fixed stop member geometry is used, then the installation is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different wall geometries is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wall geometriesVSAvoidcomplexity of support element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop member is designed with a notched flap that can be bent or removed to change its geometry. This dynamic modification allows the same support element to adapt to different wall geometries (straight walls, corners, angled surfaces) without requiring multiple different components, thus improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The geometry of the stop member can be changed by bending or removing portions of the notched flap. This parameter change in the stop member's shape allows it to conform to various wall geometries, transforming a single fixed-component design into a multi-configurable solution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the stop member has a fixed elliptical geometry, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation for different wall configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of positioning against different wallsVSAvoidease of manufacturing support element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stop member is segmented into a base portion and a notched flap portion. The notched flap can be independently bent or removed, allowing the stop member to be manufactured in a simple fixed geometry but operated in multiple configurations. This segmentation enables ease of operation without complicating the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If attachment members engage between attachment slats, then the support element can be positioned flexibly, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in positioning relative to wallVSAvoidcomplexity of connection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment members are designed to engage with attachment slats that are part of the elevation pad system. This universal engagement mechanism allows the support element to be positioned at various locations and orientations on the elevation pad, providing flexibility in positioning while using a standardized connection system rather than multiple specialized mechanisms

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

Data Source

PatentEP3899163B1Assembly of a connecting lug and a support element for a floor covering element
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 BUZON PEDESTAL INT SA
  • EP3899163B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3899163B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3899163B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c

AI summary

Disclosed is an assembly of a connection lug and a support element of a floor covering element, the support element comprising a base arranged to be positioned on an elevation stud, the base comprising a stop member, the connection lug being arranged to connect the support element to the stud, the base of the support element comprising a set of fastening plates, the connection lug comprising a set of first fastening members, the first fastening members being arranged so as to be able to engage between the fastening plates and come into contact with them in order to allow a translational movement between the support element and the connection lug, the connection lug comprising a set of second fastening members arranged to engage in the stud and allow the connection lug to rotate relative to the elevation stud.