Flooring Support System Slope Adjustment Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor flooring systems struggle to provide a level, waterproof, and structurally stable surface on sloped or uneven decks and rooftops without compromising the integrity of waterproof membranes, particularly in commercial buildings and residential decks with mechanical penetrations.
Innovation Solution
A flooring support system comprising three substrate components - structural panels, reversible structural panels, and a base mounting plate - that can be mechanically or gravitationally attached, allowing for adjustable height and slope corrections, drainage, and wind load resistance, while maintaining the waterproof integrity of the underlying structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick concrete pad is used to support thin-gauged stones, then the structural support is sufficient, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete pad is segmented into discrete support blocks positioned at specific locations rather than a continuous thick pad, reducing overall material usage and installation complexity while maintaining structural support where needed
Solution Approach 2:
Metal support brackets or angles are introduced as intermediary elements between the thin-gauged stones and the concrete pad, providing structural support without requiring a thick concrete pad, thus simplifying installation
2Ease of operation
If mechanical penetrations are made through waterproofed decks to create level surfaces, then the flooring installation is simplified, but the waterproof integrity of the structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A non-penetrating leveler system with adjustable legs or shims is introduced as an intermediary between the sloped waterproofed deck and the flooring substrate, creating a level surface without compromising the waterproof membrane
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof membrane is preserved as a continuous flexible barrier, and the leveler system is designed to work above rather than through this protective film, maintaining its integrity while achieving the desired level surface
3Stability of the object's composition
If a solid level structural support is created above waterproofing to support stone flooring, then the flooring stability is improved, but the system complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solid structural support is segmented into discrete support blocks or piers positioned only where needed to support the stone flooring, rather than creating a continuous thick structural layer, reducing material usage and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Structural support is provided partially only at critical locations rather than uniformly throughout, using minimum necessary material to achieve adequate flooring stability
Data Source
AI summary
A flooring substrate system that uses one of three substrate components upon which various types of finish flooring may be attached above a deck structure. The deck structure may be open lumber framed or may be a waterproofed planar surface. Affixation of the flooring system may be by direct connection or by gravitational placement. Height and slope adjustable components interlock through a plunge, twist and locking teeth arrangement to form supporting members beneath the substrate components. A base mounting plate acts as a pivotal point in the system, having recesses and engageable configurations on both its faces for other system components.