Folded Sheet Metal Floor Panel With Integrated Liquid Collection Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor covering elements for steel platforms do not allow for efficient and targeted removal of liquids, requiring complex and costly individual adaptation of drainage systems, and existing solutions for producing walkable surfaces with slip resistance are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A floor covering element with a built-in collecting channel and inlet opening, where the collecting channel is formed from a single sheet metal folded multiple times, allowing for efficient liquid collection and drainage, and featuring a cheek plate for easy connection and water-tight sealing of adjacent elements, ensuring slip resistance through a nubbed tread surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If closed metal sheets are welded together tightly to form floor covering elements, then liquid collection capability is improved, but production time and costs increase due to individual adaptation of drainage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering system is segmented into modular elements, each with integrated collection channels. This allows standardized production of individual elements while achieving comprehensive liquid collection when assembled together, eliminating the need for individual adaptation of drainage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection channels are pre-formed as integral parts of each floor covering element during manufacturing. This preliminary integration of drainage functionality into each module eliminates subsequent on-site adaptation work, reducing production time while maintaining reliable liquid collection.
2Reliability
If closed metal sheets are welded together tightly to form floor covering elements, then liquid collection capability is improved, but production costs increase due to individual adaptation of drainage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering system is segmented into modular elements, each with integrated collection channels. This allows standardized production of individual elements while achieving comprehensive liquid collection when assembled together, eliminating the need for individual adaptation of drainage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection channels are pre-formed as integral parts of each floor covering element during manufacturing. This preliminary integration of drainage functionality into each module eliminates subsequent on-site adaptation work, reducing production time while maintaining reliable liquid collection.
3Ease of operation
If gratings or checker plates are used for walkable surfaces, then slip resistance is improved, but liquid drainage becomes untargeted and requires additional collection devices
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering element merges the tread surface function with the liquid collection function into a single integrated structure. The collection channels are formed as integral parts of the metal sheet, eliminating the need for separate collection devices while maintaining slip resistance through the nubbed surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor covering element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a walkable surface with slip resistance through its nubbed tread, acts as a structural panel, and functions as a liquid collection device through its integrated channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized collection devices.
4Manufacturing precision
If collection channels are formed separately and adapted individually, then liquid collection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floor covering element merges the tread surface function with the liquid collection function into a single integrated structure. The collection channels are formed as integral parts of the metal sheet, eliminating the need for separate collection devices while maintaining slip resistance through the nubbed surface.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The element (2) has an engaging unit (18) provided on an upper side (14) of a floor panel (4) i.e. steel platform, where the upper side turns away from a collecting panel (10). The engaging unit projects the element on a lower side (16) of the floor panel for producing an engagement on the collecting panel. A mounting unit (22) is mounted on an outer wall (20) of the collecting panel, and turns away from the floor panel and on the engaging unit. The mounting unit limits an inlet opening (12) projected in direction of the floor panel, where the panels are formed by a foldable sheet plate (8).