Floor element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular floor systems face challenges in height adjustability, particularly after assembly, where access to centrally arranged elements is restricted, and there is a need for continuous height adjustment while ensuring load-bearing capacity and stability.

Innovation Solution

A floor element with a base plate featuring through holes for threaded rods, allowing continuous height adjustment through threaded engagement, combined with a detachable foot plate and magnetic connection for enhanced stability and ease of assembly, and materials like metals for internal threads for high load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the floor is assembled from modular floor elements, then the floor can be adapted to individual circumstances and assembled efficiently, but access under the floor is no longer possible and centrally arranged floor elements cannot be reached from the underside for height adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidaccessibility for height adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional adjustment approach by providing access to the adjustment mechanism (threaded rod) from the top side of the floor element rather than from the underside. The through-hole allows the threaded rod to be accessed and adjusted from above, eliminating the need to access the floor from below while maintaining height adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The floor element is segmented into distinct functional components: the base plate, the through-hole, the threaded rod, and the foot plate. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be independently accessed and operated without disassembling the entire floor structure, enabling height adjustment while maintaining assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If height adjustment is implemented using traditional methods, then height adjustability is achieved, but continuous height adjustment cannot be achieved and load-bearing capacity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustabilityVSAvoidload-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a threaded rod with continuous threading that allows for continuous height adjustment by changing the position along the thread. The external thread on the threaded rod engages with the internal thread in the base plate, enabling smooth, continuous adjustment rather than discrete steps, while the threaded connection maintains load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The floor element combines different materials with complementary properties: the base plate provides structural support, the threaded rod (preferably metal) provides adjustment capability and load-bearing strength, and the foot plate provides ground contact. This composite construction ensures both continuous adjustability and sufficient load-bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the threaded rod is screwed into the internal thread from the upper side of the base plate, then continuous height adjustment can be achieved, but the threaded rod must protrude beyond the top of the floor panel which may not be desirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidflush surface appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the floor element dynamically adjustable by allowing the threaded rod to be screwed in and out to achieve different heights. The foot plate can be detached and reattached at different positions, enabling the floor element to adapt its configuration based on requirements while maintaining a clean appearance when properly assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded rod is positioned within the through-hole of the base plate, with the foot plate nested onto the threaded rod. When properly assembled, the components nest together to provide a compact structure where the threaded rod's adjustment function is accessible but its protrusion is minimized or concealed by the foot plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables continuous and versatile height adjustment, improved stability on uneven surfaces, and reduced risk of sinking into soft soils, while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring safety and efficient use across various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a foot (40) which has a threaded rod (50) with an external thread (52) and a first end face (53) and a second end face (54), it being possible for the external thread (52) of the threaded rod (50) to be arranged in the internal thread (34)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded engagement: Screw

Implementation Method 2

magnetic connection for enhanced stability and ease of assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3616564B1Floor element

Publication Date: 2021.06.30 HEZEL SARAH

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AI summary

Base element, comprising a base plate (20) having at least one through bore (22) in which an internal thread (34) is arranged, and a foot (40) having a threaded rod (50) with an external thread (52) and a first end face (53) and a second end face (54), wherein the external thread (52) of the threaded rod (50) can be arranged in the internal thread (34).