Magnetic Raised Flooring System for Reconfigurable Decorative Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flooring systems lack the ability to provide portable, reusable, and interchangeable decorative flooring surfaces that can be easily attached and detached from modular raised floor bases, particularly in applications like trade show exhibits and event spaces.

Innovation Solution

A modular raised flooring system featuring magnetic subfloor and finished floor layers, where the magnetic subfloor layer is attached to a subfloor assembly and the magnetic finished floor layer is removably attached to the subfloor layer using magnetic attraction, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional flooring systems are used, then the flooring surface is fixed and stable, but the flooring cannot be easily reconfigured or changed for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurability of flooring systemVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flooring system is divided into separate modular components: a base floor assembly and interchangeable decorative surface panels. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and manufactured, enabling easy reconfiguration by simply replacing the surface panels without disturbing the underlying structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (screws, adhesives, clips) with magnetic attachment. The magnetic subfloor layer contains magnetic materials that attract and hold the finished floor layers, providing a simple yet effective attachment mechanism that enables easy installation and removal without complex mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of repair

If decorative flooring surfaces are permanently attached, then the flooring structure is stable, but the decorative surfaces cannot be easily replaced or repaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of replacing decorative surfacesVSAvoidstability of flooring surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flooring system transitions from a static, permanently attached design to a dynamic, reversible attachment system. The magnetic attachment allows the finished floor layers to be easily detached and reattached, enabling frequent replacement, repair, or reconfiguration while maintaining stable attachment during use through the magnetic holding force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design with magnetic attachment enables the finished floor layers to be easily discarded (removed) when worn or outdated, and recovered (reinstalled) on the same or different base assemblies. This facilitates maintenance and aesthetic updates without wasting the underlying structural components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If magnetic attachment is used for flooring panels, then the flooring can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the magnetic components increase the overall system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of magnetic attachment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attachment functionality is merged into the finished floor layers themselves rather than being a separate mechanism. The magnetic materials are integrated directly into the decorative surface panels, combining the aesthetic function with the attachment function in a single component, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attachment system is self-aligning and self-holding. When the finished floor layers are placed near the base floor assembly, the magnetic force automatically guides them into proper alignment and secures them without requiring manual fastening or complex installation procedures. The system serves itself by using inherent magnetic properties to achieve both attachment and alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 a portable and reusable flooring system that can be easily reconfigured to change decorative appearances or repair worn surfaces, providing a cost-effective and aesthetically versatile solution for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic subfloor layer attached to the subfloor assembly, and a magnetic finished floor layer removably attached to the magnetic subfloor layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10208489B2Raised flooring system and assembly method with magnetically-attached flooring surface

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 EXPLORING LLC

AI summary

A system and method of removably attaching a flooring surface material to a subfloor. The subfloor may include a modular raised flooring system comprising a plurality of raised floor panels, and comprising a magnetic body, surface or underlayment material. The flooring surface material includes a magnetic attachment surface that holds the flooring surface material in place on the subfloor by magnetic attraction, but that allows removal for disassembly and/or replacement.