Floor Panel Support with Screw Adjustment and Plug-and-Turn Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supports for floor panels are complex and expensive, with limited adjustable distance range and poor stackability, making them difficult to use on uneven or sloping ground and limiting their application in achieving a uniform horizontal plane.

Innovation Solution

A support system with a height-adjustable upper support part and a lower support part connected via a screwing mechanism, featuring a support sleeve with an external thread and an adjusting sleeve with internal and external threads, allowing for lifting or lowering movements, and a plug-and-turn connection for easy stacking, which increases the adjustable distance range and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a spindle mechanism is used for height adjustment, then the support plane can be adjusted to different heights, but the design becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support is divided into an upper support part and a lower support part that can be adjusted relative to each other. The height adjustment function is segmented into a simple screw movement mechanism rather than a complex spindle assembly, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex spindle mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler screw movement system. The essential height adjustment function is retained while removing unnecessary complexity from the original spindle design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If rotatable adjustability is implemented, then height adjustment is possible, but stackability is reduced and distance range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidstackability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support parts are designed with universal connection features that allow them to function both as individual adjustable supports and as stackable units. The upper and lower support parts can be connected in multiple configurations, enabling both height adjustment and vertical stacking to extend the support plane distance range from the substrate.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between upper and lower support parts is made dynamic and reconfigurable. The parts can be connected in a stacked configuration for extended reach or used individually for localized adjustment, providing adaptability in both stackability and adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Length of stationary object

If multiple base bodies are stacked to achieve larger distances, then the support range increases, but the alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport distance rangeVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Manual alignment procedures are replaced with a self-aligning mechanical connection system. The connection features between stacked base bodies automatically guide and maintain precise alignment, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment procedures while supporting extended stacking configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 simplifies the construction of the support system, reduces costs, and enhances the adjustable distance range, enabling better alignment and stacking capabilities, thus improving the installation of floor panels on uneven surfaces while maintaining a uniform horizontal plane.

Implementation Method 1

the upper support part is mounted in a height-adjustable manner relative to a lower support part by means of a screw movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3235972B1Support for laying floor panels
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 LEITNER FRANZ
  • EP3235972B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP3235972B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4c
  • EP3235972B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Supports for installation in the corner areas of four adjacent floor slabs, wherein an upper support part (1) is provided with a cover plate (13) which is projected by at least four joint webs (9) extending perpendicularly from the cover plate (13) for the floor slabs, wherein an adjusting sleeve (3) is provided which can be screwed to a cylindrical receptacle (5) and a support sleeve (15) about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the floor slab (4). According to the invention, it is proposed that the cover plate (13) has first connecting elements (14) and the floor slab (4) has second connecting elements (7), wherein the first connecting elements (14) are designed as T-shaped connecting webs which lie on the same connecting line with at least two joint webs (9), and the second connecting elements (7) are designed as radial slots in the floor slab (4) to which a slot extending in the circumferential direction of the rotational movement is connected.