Modular Floor System With Integrated Securing Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current floor systems for service vehicles are not flexible enough to accommodate various sizes and shapes of module units, are time-consuming to install, and lack safety features to prevent module units from breaking into the driver cabin during vehicle retardation.

Innovation Solution

A modular floor system comprising prefabricated floor sections with fixed securing rails and adaptable floor portions that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for quick installation and secure attachment of module units without damaging the underlying floor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a floor system is designed to be flexible and adaptable to various module units, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various module unitsVSAvoidfloor system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floor system is divided into multiple floor sections, each comprising a floor panel with integrated securing rails. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different module unit sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each section can be independently configured and installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing rails are designed with universal features that can accommodate various module units of different sizes and shapes. The rails include securing elements that can engage with different types of module units, providing a multi-functional solution that reduces the need for multiple specialized floor configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a floor system uses fixed securing rails attached to floor sections, then module units can be securely attached, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of module unitsVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The securing rails are pre-attached to the floor sections during manufacturing, so that during installation, only the floor sections themselves need to be positioned and secured. The module units can then be quickly attached to the pre-positioned rails without requiring separate rail installation steps, significantly reducing overall installation time while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the floor system uses screws or fasteners to attach the floor to the underlying floor, then the floor is securely fixed, but the underlying floor may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor fixation strengthVSAvoiddamage to underlying floor

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Adhesive is used as an intermediary substance between the floor section and the underlying floor. This adhesive provides strong bonding strength to securely fix the floor system while avoiding the need for screws or fasteners that would penetrate and potentially damage the underlying floor structure. The adhesive distributes loads evenly without creating stress concentration points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If module units are securely attached to the floor system, then safety is improved by preventing break-through into driver cabin, but the module units cannot be easily repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against break-throughVSAvoidrepositionability of module units

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing rails are designed with dynamic securing elements that can be easily engaged and disengaged. This allows module units to be securely attached during normal operation to prevent break-through into the driver cabin, while also enabling easy repositioning or removal when needed. The dynamic nature of the securing mechanism provides both safety and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10369938B2Floor system, a vehicle, such as a service vehicle, comprising such a floor system and a method of installing such a floor system

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 MODUL SYST HH

AI summary

A floor system includes multiple floor sections and a floor portion smaller than each of the floor sections. Each floor section includes a floor panel and an integrated securing rail. The floor panel includes opposite first and second edges configured to be arranged next to each other such that the second edge of one floor section is placed facing and adjacent to the first edge of another floor section. The integrated securing rail is fixedly attached to a third edge of the floor panel that extends at a right angle between the first and second edges of the floor panel. The floor portion includes a first outer edge which follows the contour of the integrated securing rail of the first and/or said second floor section and is configured to be adjacent to the integrated securing rail of the first and/or said second floor section during use.