Loft Flooring Bridging Support Insulation Compaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loft flooring systems compact insulation material when installed, reducing its effectiveness in retaining heat and energy efficiency, as they require insulation to be filled between joists and then between additional structural elements, making them time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A loft flooring system comprising bridging supports that span between joists, allowing insulation to be laid to the required depth without compaction, with feet that securely attach to the joists and a spanning element that forms a continuous surface for flooring, preventing movement and ensuring stability and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional loft flooring systems are installed by laying boards directly on joists, then the flooring structure is simple and quick to install, but the insulation material is compacted reducing its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging support acts as an intermediary element between the joists and the insulation material. It has a first leg that attaches to the joist and a second leg that supports the flooring board, with the insulation material positioned in the gap between the two legs. This intermediary structure allows the insulation to remain uncompressed while still providing structural support for the flooring.
2Loss of energy
If bridging supports with legs are used to prevent insulation compaction, then insulation effectiveness is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging support is segmented into distinct functional parts: a first leg for attachment to the joist, a second leg for supporting the flooring board, and a spanning element connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and easy to manufacture.
3Loss of energy
If insulation is laid to required depth above joists before installing flooring, then insulation effectiveness is maintained, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging supports are pre-assembled with the insulation material already positioned in the gap between the legs. This preliminary preparation allows the entire assembly (bridging support plus insulation) to be installed as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate insulation installation steps and reducing overall installation time while maintaining insulation effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a loft flooring system that comprises: a plurality of bridging supports each adapted to bridge between an adjacent substantially parallel pair of joists of a loft floor and having a first upright leg with a foot to mount onto a first of the joists and a second upright leg with a foot to mount onto a second of the joists, and a spanning element therebetween onto which flooring boards/panels may be laid. The insulation can be laid between the joists to a required depth rising above the joists and the bridging support mounted in place accommodating the laid insulation thereunder so that the insulation remains substantially un-compacted and fully effective.