One-piece threshold bar with hinged wings for uneven floors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threshold bars face challenges in adapting to variable or uneven floor heights, as traditional fixing methods like nails or adhesives are either cumbersome or aesthetically unsuitable, and fail to securely attach to surfaces of varying heights without adding extra thickness or shifting over time.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece threshold bar with hinged wings that can be folded under the central portion, featuring inwardly directed V-shaped hinges and adhesive-coated lower faces, allowing for secure gluing or sliding attachment to uneven surfaces without excess thickness, using either beads of glue or double-sided adhesive strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixing methods like nails or adhesives are used, then the threshold bar can be attached to the floor, but the attachment is either cumbersome or aesthetically unsuitable and fails to securely attach to surfaces of varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold bar is divided into a central portion and two lateral wings that can be independently positioned. The wings are hinged to the central portion, allowing them to be folded under to create separate attachment points that can adapt to varying floor heights independently, while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged connection between the wings and central portion allows the structure to dynamically adjust to uneven surfaces. The wings can be positioned at different angles and heights during installation, enabling the threshold bar to conform to variable floor conditions while maintaining secure attachment
2Reliability
If beads of glue are used for fixing, then the threshold bar can be attached, but the glue generates extra thickness which is detrimental to aesthetics and causes the bar to shift over time
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment solution moves from a vertical dimension (beads of glue adding thickness) to a horizontal dimension (wings folded under the central portion). The adhesive is applied to the lower faces of the wings which are positioned underneath the threshold bar, eliminating visible glue beads and maintaining a clean aesthetic appearance while preventing shifting
3Ease of operation
If the threshold bar is designed for glued attachment, then it can be easily installed, but it cannot adapt to coverings of variable or uneven height
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold bar is segmented into a central portion and two lateral wings that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each wing to be adjusted to match the height of the underlying floor covering, enabling adaptation to uneven surfaces while maintaining simple glued attachment through the hinged connection
4Reliability
If adhesive is applied under a curved threshold bar, then the bar can be attached, but the adhesive does not adhere properly due to the variable height and curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is relocated from the curved upper surface to the lower faces of the wings, which are positioned in a different dimensional space underneath the threshold bar. This allows the adhesive to be applied to flat surfaces that are easier to bond, while the curved aesthetic profile of the visible portion is preserved
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
Enables simple, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing attachment to surfaces of varying heights, eliminating the need for additional thickness and ensuring long-term stability by absorbing excess adhesive thickness within the central portion's curved shape.
Implementation Method 1
the lower faces of the wings in the folded position being adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The edging element (5) has a central portion (6) whose face defines an apparent face of the edging element. Two side wings (7) are articulated with the central portion, and are folded under the central portion. Double face adhesive bands are arranged at lower faces (71) of the wings in a folded position. Connection portions between the central portion and each wing have thicknesses lower than that of the central portion and the wings, and form V-shaped hinges (65). The central portion, the connections portions and the wings are made of plastic, metal or composite material.