Inverted-T Insulated Floor Tracks with Adjustable Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional raised flooring systems are expensive, difficult to assemble, and not suitable for residential housing due to their high cost and complexity, lacking in thermal and acoustic insulation, and moisture control, making them unsuitable for both commercial and residential applications.
Innovation Solution
A raised adjustable insulated flooring system using inverted-T-shaped tracks made of rigid insulation with adjustable supporting legs, allowing for air circulation, in-floor heating, and the integration of mechanical and electrical systems, which is easy to install and provides excellent thermal and sound resistance, while being cost-effective and adaptable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional raised flooring systems are used, then structural support and space creation are achieved, but cost increases and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flooring system is divided into modular components: inverted-T-shaped tracks made of rigid insulation material, adjustable supporting legs, and panel options. These segmented components can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted-T-shaped tracks serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, create void space for mechanical systems, provide thermal insulation, and serve as mounting surfaces for flooring panels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall system.
2Temperature
If traditional raised flooring systems are used, then structural support is provided, but thermal insulation and acoustic properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses composite construction combining rigid insulation material for the tracks with various flooring panel options. This composite approach integrates thermal insulation functionality directly into the structural components, improving thermal performance without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional raised flooring systems are used, then moisture control is provided, but cost and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system inverts the traditional approach by placing the structural support and insulation components below the flooring surface rather than above it. The inverted-T-shaped tracks are installed first, creating a foundation that naturally manages moisture through its configuration and integration with the subfloor, simplifying installation while maintaining moisture control.
4Strength
If steel panels are used for raised flooring, then structural integrity is achieved, but cost increases and ceiling height requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the material parameter from traditional steel to rigid insulation material for the track structure. This parameter change maintains sufficient structural integrity for the intended application while reducing the overall height requirement, making the system more adaptable to various ceiling height constraints.
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 manages moisture, reduces sound transmission, and enhances thermal comfort, making it suitable for both commercial and residential use by providing a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution with improved insulation and airflow, thus addressing the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention increases thermal resistance through the installation of rigid insulation panels
Implementation Method 2
Air flow underneath the floor allows moisture to evenly dissipate without having to remove the flooring
Implementation Method 3
an in-floor heating system helps to regulate the temperature of the floor, thereby increasing comfort
Implementation Method 4
The present invention also reduces sound transmission (i.e., increase the sound transmission class (STC) rating)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a raised flooring system adapted for use in commercial and residential flooring construction. The flooring system comprises of inverted-T-shaped tracks with a plurality of adjustable supporting legs mounted thereon to adjust the height of the inverted-T-shaped track. The inverted-T-shaped tracks create a void space for air circulation, installation of insulation panels, noise reduction, in-floor heating and water drainage. The void space also allows for cables and services to run below the floor. The inverted-T-shaped track is made of rigid insulation which is durable and mold resistant.