Modular Floor Access Ramp With Shock-Absorbing Transition Edge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular flooring systems lack a proper finishing element to transition smoothly from the existing floor to the modular floor, creating an edge that hinders accessibility for wheelchairs, strollers, and bicycles, and increases the risk of accidents and theft.

Innovation Solution

The Access Ramp for Modular Flooring consists of interlocking pieces with curved surfaces and shock-absorbing pins, featuring male-and-female interlocks and corner closures, manufactured from recycled plastic with chemical additives for durability, providing a smooth transition and impact absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If modular flooring is installed directly over the pre-existing floor with a step edge, then installation is simple, but accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidfinishing element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The finishing element is divided into multiple modular pieces (straight pieces with male or female interlocks, corner pieces, and transition pieces) that can be assembled to fit different floor configurations. This segmentation allows the system to provide a smooth ramp transition while maintaining ease of installation through standardized interlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The finishing element acts as an intermediary component between the pre-existing floor and the modular flooring system. It creates a gradual transition ramp that eliminates the abrupt step edge, thereby improving accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers without compromising the structural integrity of the flooring system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a step edge is created at the flooring transition, then installation is straightforward, but the risk of accidents such as tripping increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The finishing element features a curved top surface that creates a smooth ramp transition instead of an abrupt step. This curvature eliminates tripping hazards and improves safety for users while maintaining relatively simple installation through the modular interlocking design of the pieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If modular flooring plates are used without expansion joints, then structural integrity is maintained, but temperature-induced expansion and contraction cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidinterlock system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking system incorporates expansion joints that allow the modular flooring plates to dynamically expand and contract in response to temperature changes. This dynamic capability prevents structural damage while maintaining the overall integrity of the flooring system through controlled movement at designated joint locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the flooring provides impact absorption for user comfort, then injury risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidshock absorption system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The finishing element is constructed from composite materials that provide impact absorption capabilities. The combination of different materials (such as polyethylene base with rubber or foam inserts) creates a system that reduces injury risk from impacts and falls while maintaining relatively simple installation and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Facilitates safe and accessible transitions for wheelchairs and strollers, reduces accidents, and enhances aesthetic appeal while absorbing unevenness and temperature-induced expansion, all while being environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

The impact-absorption function is achieved through a plurality of cylindrical pins made of thermoplastic elastomer rubber inserted into a structural base, absorbing the forces transmitted to the joints

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the absorption of expansion and contraction movements of the plates themselves due to temperature variations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

the ramps ensure safe accessibility to areas where overlapping modular flooring is installed, facilitating the movement of wheeled devices, such as wheelchairs, carts, and bicycles, due to the presence of shock absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4711552A1Access RAMP for modular floor

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 CORDEIRO DE OLIVEIRA EMERSON

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AI summary

ACCESS RAMP FOR MODULAR FLOORING refers to access ramps specially designed for modular flooring, fitted to them by male-and-female interlocks, equipped with shock absorption, expansion joints, and the possibility of installing anti-theft screws. As a distinguishing feature, the ramps ensure safe accessibility to areas where overlapping modular flooring is installed, facilitating the movement of wheeled devices, such as wheelchairs, carts, and bicycles, due to the presence of shock absorption.