Hockey Flooring Tile Interlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetic ice surfaces for hockey are expensive and require tight seam joints to resist separation under lateral forces and temperature-induced expansion and contraction, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
The hockey flooring tile features interconnecting mechanisms with necks and furrows, along with a locking mechanism using offset nubs and moveable surfaces to ensure secure interlocking and stability, allowing tiles to be connected in a specific orientation and preventing vertical movement between tiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If synthetic ice surfaces are made from interconnected hockey floor tiles, then the cost is reduced and installation becomes more practical, but the seam joints become vulnerable to separation under lateral forces and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic ice surface is divided into individual modular hockey floor tiles that can be interconnected. Each tile is a separate unit with interconnection mechanisms that allow assembly into larger surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through designed joint systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection mechanisms incorporate moveable surfaces and offset nubs that allow dynamic adjustment and rotation during assembly. The locking mechanism uses movable components that can shift to accommodate temperature-induced expansion and contraction while maintaining secure connections.
2Strength
If tiles are interconnected tightly to resist lateral forces, then seam separation is prevented, but the tiles cannot accommodate thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection mechanism includes moveable surfaces that can shift and rotate to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. The offset nubs allow the tiles to move relative to each other within controlled limits, maintaining connection strength while adapting to temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed with specific geometric parameters including offset nubs and moveable surfaces that change position based on thermal conditions. The mechanism allows controlled movement parameters while maintaining engagement under various temperature conditions.
3Ease of operation
If interconnecting mechanisms are designed with simple grooves and ribs, then assembly is simplified, but the locking capability under lateral force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection mechanism uses moveable surfaces that rotate around an axis during assembly, providing a simple yet effective locking action. The offset nubs engage with corresponding grooves through a rotational movement that secures the tiles firmly while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from simple linear groove-rib engagement to a three-dimensional interaction involving offset nubs and moveable surfaces that rotate. This adds a rotational dimension to the connection, enhancing locking capability while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a hockey flooring tile having a top smooth surface for passing pucks and one or more interconnecting mechanisms allowing for an interconnection with another tile. A locking mechanism is also positioned within the interconnecting mechanism allowing for a tile to be locked to another tile. The tile disclosed in the present invention also has a bottom surface having support points to support a tile when a weight is placed on the tile.