Modular carpet system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular carpet systems lack versatility and ease of design, as they often require complex connections and are not easily adaptable to different configurations or uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular carpet system featuring flat carpet elements connected by a thin surface connecting element with ground contact areas and coupling devices comprising pins and hooks, allowing for easy assembly and reconfiguration while providing secure and slip-resistant flooring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a modular carpet system uses complex connection mechanisms to ensure secure coupling, then the coupling strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into distinct functional zones: a ground contact area for stability and multiple coupling areas for attaching carpet elements. Each coupling area contains standardized coupling devices with pins and hooks, breaking down the complex connection task into simple, repeatable units that are easy to operate while maintaining secure coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary component between the floor and carpet elements. It provides a standardized interface with coupling devices that simplify the connection process, allowing carpet elements to be securely attached without complex direct fastening mechanisms between the carpets themselves.
2Stability of the object's composition
If carpet elements are securely fixed to prevent movement, then the stability and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation for reconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamically reversible. The hooks can engage with the carpet element loops to provide stable fixation during use, but can be easily disengaged by lifting the carpet element off the pins. This allows the system to transition between stable and reconfigurable states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling devices are designed to be self-latching through the hook engagement with carpet loops, providing automatic stabilization when carpet elements are placed. No additional fastening actions are needed to maintain stability, and removal simply requires lifting the element off the pins, making reconfiguration as easy as the initial installation.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting element is designed as a thin surface for simplicity and ease of handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to accommodate uneven surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element has non-uniform local properties: it is thin and simple in most areas for ease of handling, but includes a specifically designed ground contact area with increased surface area and potential deformation capability. This localized adaptation allows the thin connecting element to accommodate uneven floor surfaces while maintaining overall simplicity and ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coupling devices are provided on each coupling area for versatile carpet arrangements, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each coupling device on the connecting element is designed with universal functionality, capable of attaching various types of carpet elements through the standardized pin and hook mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single coupling device design to handle diverse carpet arrangements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular carpet system (10) is designed with at least two flat carpet elements (44, 46) and at least one connecting element (12) for joining two of the carpet elements (44, 46) to form a flat carpet arrangement with adjacent carpet elements (44, 46). The connecting element (12) is designed as a thin surface with two surfaces (20, 26), which has a floor contact area (22) on one of its surfaces (20, 26) and two coupling areas (28, 30) on the opposite, second surface (26), each of which is provided with a coupling device (34) for connecting one of the two carpet elements (44, 46).