Illuminated Floor Assembly with Modular LED Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sports arenas face difficulties in player orientation and referee foul recognition due to numerous markings, and the existing illuminated floor solutions are costly and time-consuming to maintain and modify for different sports.

Innovation Solution

An illuminated arena floor featuring composite glass panels with a light channel containing LEDs and a polymer block connected via a hook and loop fastener, allowing for easy replacement and control of lighting, along with adjustable supports for level alignment and anti-slip coatings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If illuminated floor panels made of safety glass are used to indicate markings, then the visibility of markings is improved, but the difficulty of accessing illumination devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of markingsVSAvoidaccess to illumination devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The floor is divided into modular panels with illumination devices integrated into each panel. This segmentation allows individual panels to be accessed, removed, or maintained independently without affecting the entire floor system, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining illumination visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A access panel or removable cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the observer and the illumination device. This intermediary provides a designated access point that simplifies maintenance and adjustment of lighting components while preserving the overall aesthetic and functional integrity of the floor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple markings are applied to the floor, then the functionality for different sports is improved, but the difficulty of player orientation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality for different sportsVSAvoidplayer orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system uses different colors to indicate different markings and zones. By changing the color of the illuminated floor panels, the system can represent various sport-specific markings without physically applying multiple sets of lines. This eliminates orientation confusion while maintaining versatility across different sports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The marking system transitions from static painted lines to dynamic illuminated panels that can be activated or deactivated based on the sport being played. This dynamic capability allows the same physical floor to adapt its visual characteristics for different sports requirements, improving versatility without creating permanent orientation conflicts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If markings are removed or covered during tournaments, then the adaptability to different sports is improved, but the cost and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different sportsVSAvoidtime for marking removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The floor panels are pre-configured with illumination capabilities and control systems before events begin. This preliminary setup allows for rapid reconfiguration of markings by simply activating different panel combinations or color patterns, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical removal or covering of markings during tournaments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical system of physical marking removal and covering is replaced with an electrical/control system that manages marking visibility through illumination. This substitution allows for instant changes in marking appearance without mechanical intervention, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with adapting the floor for different sports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 and efficient maintenance of lighting and control systems, improving player orientation and reducing costs associated with marking changes across various sports.

Implementation Method 1

The light channel preferably contains LEDs and the corresponding electrical connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The polymer block preferably contains an elastic polymer that exerts a cushioning effect on the composite glass floor panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

A hook and loop fastener connects the polymer block to the composite glass floor panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9192850B2Illuminated floor assembly

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA

AI summary

An illuminated floor assembly, comprising: a composite floor panel; an overlay; a polymer block and an LED light channel between the composite glass floor panel and the overlay; a hook-and-loop fastener between the polymer block and the composite glass floor panel; and a support between the overlay and the hallway foundation.