Interlocking Frustoconical Underlayment Tiles for Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface underlayment systems fail to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, and are not suitable for use in all weather conditions, nor do they provide adequate energy absorption and anti-slip properties while maintaining a low maintenance and economic installation cost.

Innovation Solution

A modular surface underlayment system comprising interlocking thermoplastic tiles with frustoconical energy-absorbing support structures that accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, providing a firm and uniform surface with anti-slip features, and can be easily installed and maintained, using a snap-fit engagement mechanism and optional drainage features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rigid underlayment systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but they cannot accommodate thermal expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The underlayment system is divided into modular tiles that can independently expand and contract, allowing the overall system to accommodate thermal changes while maintaining structural integrity through the interconnected modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tiles incorporate flexible elements and thin film structures that allow for thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining the overall structural stability of the underlayment system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Force

If soft resilient materials are used for energy absorption, then impact force reduction is improved, but surface firmness and slip resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact force absorptionVSAvoidsurface slipperiness

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tile structure incorporates different material properties in different regions - softer resilient materials in impact-absorbing zones and firmer materials with textured surfaces in contact zones - allowing simultaneous energy absorption and slip resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The tiles use composite material construction combining resilient foam or rubber layers for impact absorption with textured surface layers or coatings that provide friction and slip resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If complex interlocking mechanisms are used, then tile stability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetile interlocking stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking mechanism is segmented into simple protrusion-recess features on each tile edge, allowing stable interconnection without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tiles are designed with self-aligning interlocking features that automatically guide proper placement during installation, reducing the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized installation equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively absorbs and redistributes impact forces, maintains structural integrity across varying temperatures, and offers a durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution for indoor and outdoor applications, with minimal noise and improved safety features.

Implementation Method 1

Each module is configured to cushion the blow by absorption and/or re-distribution laterally

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption through deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The system effectively absorbs and redistributes impact forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force distribution: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

accommodate thermal expansion or contraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 4

accommodate thermal expansion or contraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Implementation Method 5

anti-slip shock tiles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9528280B2Surface underlayment system with interlocking resilient anti-slip shock tiles

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 VICONIC SPORTING LLC

AI summary

A modular energy absorbing system sandwiched between an impact-receiving upper surface and a lower foundation. The energy absorbing system has one or more interconnected modules that cooperate to absorb and distribute impact forces applied thereto. Each module has one or more frustoconical support structures. At least some of the frustoconical support structures have bases that underlie the upper impact-receiving surface such as a football field or a basketball court.