Floating Magnet Retention for Portable Dance Floor Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable dance floors lack sufficient strength and durability, and their magnetic retention systems are not effective in maintaining panel connections under various conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable dance floor system with panels featuring an aluminum honeycomb core and a perimeter frame, where the frame includes an extrusion with outward-facing channels and bores for magnets, and a retaining strip holds the magnets in place without using mechanical fasteners or adhesives, allowing for a floating retention system that maintains panel connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If magnets are disposed in bores of the extrusion to hold adjacent panels together, then panel connection strength is improved, but the magnets may become loose or fall out over time
Solution Approach 1:
A non-ferrous retaining strip is introduced as an intermediary component between the magnets and the bore wall. This retaining strip prevents magnets from becoming loose or falling out while maintaining the magnetic connection strength between adjacent panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining strip is segmented with openings that correspond to the bore locations, allowing the strip to be disposed in the elongated cavity while still providing retention for multiple magnets along the channel.
2Reliability
If the retaining strip is made of ferrous material, then it provides strong magnet retention, but it interferes with the magnetic attraction between adjacent panels
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strip is made of non-ferrous material specifically at the locations where it contacts the magnets, allowing magnet retention without magnetic interference. The strip's material property is locally optimized to perform its retention function while not disrupting the magnetic field between panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-ferrous retaining strip replicates the retention function previously achieved with ferrous materials, but without the harmful side effect of interfering with magnetic attraction. It copies the mechanical retention capability while eliminating the magnetic interference.
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical fasteners or adhesives are used to secure magnets, then magnet retention is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strip structure allows magnets to be simply inserted into the bores and held in place by the strip, eliminating the need for additional mechanical fasteners or adhesives. The system serves itself by using the non-ferrous strip's physical presence to provide retention without requiring secondary fastening operations.
4Ease of operation
If the dance floor panels are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then portability is improved, but connection strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system allows for dynamic assembly and disassembly operations. Panels can be easily connected by bringing them together magnetically and disconnected by pulling them apart, providing both ease of operation and sufficient connection strength through the magnetic force between adjacent panels.
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 provides improved strength and durability, allowing panels to be securely connected and easily assembled/disassembled, while resisting warping due to humidity and heat, and can be used on various surfaces including outdoors.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of magnets is each disposed in a different one of the plurality of bores. A retaining strip is disposed in the elongated cavity and holds the plurality of magnets in the plurality of bores between the retaining strip and the opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable dance floor system comprises a plurality of floor panels removably couplable together to form a dance floor assembly, with each floor panel comprising a perimeter frame circumscribing a core, and a dance floor surface substantially covering the frame and core. The frame has an extrusion with an outwardly facing channel having an opening, and an elongated cavity behind the channel. A plurality of bores can extend into the extrusion from a back of the extrusion, into the channel, and to the opening. A plurality of magnets can each be disposed in a different one of the plurality of bores. A retaining strip can be disposed in the elongated cavity and can hold the plurality of magnets in the plurality of bores between the retaining strip and the opening. The panel can include the core having an aluminum honeycomb between aluminum skins.