A modular floating screed with incorporated heating elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walkable surfaces, such as screeds, are typically fixed and non-disassemblable, making maintenance invasive and difficult, and lack integrated heating systems, requiring separate installations that complicate assembly and increase time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular walkable surface system with a top and bottom panel, incorporating a thermally insulating material and heating device, connected by mechanical fastening means that allow for easy assembly, disassembly, and adjustment, integrating the heating system within the module for efficient heat distribution and simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If traditional fixed screed construction is used, then structural stability and load distribution are achieved, but maintenance access becomes invasive and difficult requiring demolition
Solution Approach 1:
The screed is divided into modular panels that can be independently removed and reassembled. Each panel is a discrete unit that maintains structural integrity when installed but allows easy access when removed, eliminating the need for invasive demolition while preserving overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The screed system transitions from a fixed permanent structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. Panels can be quickly installed and removed using simple mechanical fastening systems, allowing the structure to adapt between stable installed state and accessible disassembled state based on maintenance needs.
2Ease of operation
If modular panels are simply placed on supporting feet, then mobility and maintenance access are improved, but stability and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel, supporting feet, and fastening system are merged into an integrated modular unit. The fastening mechanism combines the stability function with the mobility capability, allowing the same structure to provide both secure installation and easy removal without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex adhesive bonding systems are replaced with simple mechanical fastening mechanisms. This substitution maintains panel stability through direct mechanical connection while enabling rapid assembly and disassembly, improving both mobility and structural reliability compared to glue-based systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating system is installed separately before screed modules, then heating functionality is achieved, but assembly complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is merged with the screed module structure, with heating elements integrated directly into the panel assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate heating installation, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining full heating functionality within the modular system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are pre-installed and integrated into the screed panels during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate heating system installation on-site, reducing installation time and complexity while ensuring proper integration before the panels are assembled into the final structure.
4Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive glue is used to fix modules, then structural stability is improved, but mobility for maintenance and installation time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive bonding is replaced with mechanical fastening systems that provide equivalent or superior stability through direct physical connection. The mechanical fasteners enable rapid assembly and disassembly without the time-consuming processes of adhesive application, curing, and cleanup, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining module stability.
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 solution provides a stable, easily accessible, and time-saving installation process with integrated heating, reducing assembly complexity and enabling rapid maintenance and repositioning of modules, while optimizing heat irradiation to the walkable surface.
Implementation Method 1
A surface of thermally insulating material (30), and a heating device (50) configured for emanating heat, both comprised between the bottom panel (20) and the top panel (10), the insulating surface being in form of a prebuilt panel of insulating material (30) placed above the bottom panel (20)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention comprises a module (1) for the formation of a walkable surface, preferably of screed, the module (1) comprising at least a suitable top panel (10) for forming such stepping surface and characterized in that said module (1) comprises further the following elements: - A bottom panel (20); - A thermally insulating surface (30); - A heating device (50) configured for emanating heat. The panel of insulating material (30) being placed above the bottom panel (20) and with the heating device (50) comprised between the top panel (10) and the panel of insulating material (30) and wherein connecting means (100) configured in such a manner so as to exert a mechanical action according an approaching direction of the top panel (10) to the bottom panel (20) in such a manner so as to keep the elements of the module stacked on each other, said connecting means being further configured in such a manner to result in being movable in such a manner that, in correspondence to their removal, one or more of said elements constituting the module result in being disassemblable each other.