Modular Entrance Floor Plates for Debris Removal and Easy Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing entrance floor systems face challenges with installation and maintenance due to their size and weight, and they often require frequent cleaning and lack customization and durability, limiting their effectiveness in removing debris and water from footwear.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight entrance floor system comprising a base mat and a plate with a pattern of slots machined into its surface, where the plate can be made of aluminum and include inserts for increased traction, and a connector system to facilitate easy installation and customization, allowing for efficient debris and water removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If large gratings are used to span the entire entrance floor area, then debris and water removal capability is improved, but installation and maintenance become hazardous and require numerous service personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The large grating is divided into multiple smaller modular sections that can be individually handled, transported, and installed. Each module maintains the debris and water removal functionality through its own patterned surface, while the modular nature allows single-person installation and maintenance operations.
2Ease of operation
If roll-up designs with flexible hinge members are used, then installation becomes easier, but the structure is restricted to predominantly linear appearance and lacks customization
Solution Approach 1:
The entrance floor system is segmented into independent modular plates that can be arranged in various configurations. Each plate is a complete functional unit with integrated patterned surfaces for debris removal, allowing flexible geometric arrangements beyond linear configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular plates are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions: debris removal through patterned surfaces, water drainage through slot configurations, and aesthetic customization through various geometric patterns. The same basic module type can be used in different arrangements to achieve different design goals.
3Ease of operation
If floor mats are used to provide lighter weight and smaller size, then handling becomes easier, but cleaning frequency increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines a rigid structural base providing durability with a patterned surface layer providing debris removal functionality. The rigid construction resists wear and damage while the patterned surface maintains cleaning effectiveness, creating a composite structure that exhibits both durability and ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate surfaces incorporate slots and patterned openings that function similarly to porous structures, allowing debris and water to pass through while maintaining structural integrity. This design enables self-cleaning characteristics where debris is captured and removed through the pattern rather than accumulating on the surface.
4Ease of repair
If modular entrance floor systems are used to allow replacement of individual modules, then maintenance becomes easier, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The entrance floor system is segmented into standardized modular plates with consistent connection interfaces. Each module is independently replaceable through simple mechanical connections, allowing maintenance personnel to swap individual plates without affecting the entire system. The standardized interfaces minimize the complexity of assembly and disassembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An entrance floor system is provided. The entrance floor system includes a base mat and a plate. The base mat has opposing bottom and top surfaces. The bottom surface of the base mat is configured to rest on a floor surface. The plate has opposing bottom and top surfaces. The bottom surface of the plate is configured to rest on the top surface of the base mat. The top surface of the plate has a border region and a non-border region. The non-border region is substantially parallel with the bottom surface of the plate and the non-border region has a pattern machined therein. The pattern includes a plurality of slots. At least one slot is configured to receive fluid and debris. The top surface of the plate in the border region includes a transition from the floor surface to the non-border region of the top surface of the plate.