Modular Floor Tile Multi-Level Support System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional interconnected tile systems are rigid and fail to absorb impact, leading to discomfort for users during sports and dance activities due to lack of traction and shock absorption.

Innovation Solution

A modular floor tile system featuring a combination of resilient and rigid support levels, with elastomeric inserts and interlocking mechanisms that provide traction and flexibility, allowing for multiple levels of support and interlocking capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional interconnected tile systems are used, then structural stability and interlocking capability are improved, but user comfort and shock absorption deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into multiple independent levels: a first rigid level with first support legs, a second rigid level with second support legs, and a resilient level with resilient elements. Each level serves a specific function, collectively providing both stability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support system combines rigid materials (for the first and second rigid levels) with resilient materials (for the resilient level). This composite structure integrates the advantages of both material types: structural stability from rigid components and shock absorption from resilient components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional rigid tile systems are used, then manufacturing simplicity and structural integrity are improved, but impact absorption and joint protection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidimpact absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple functional levels with distinct characteristics. The resilient level specifically addresses impact absorption while the rigid levels maintain structural integrity, allowing the system to handle impacts without compromising manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient level is pre-configured in the tile structure to provide cushioning before impact occurs. This proactive design ensures that impacts are absorbed from the moment they occur, protecting users' joints without requiring complex active systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If conventional interconnected tile systems are used, then interlocking mechanism reliability is improved, but surface flexibility and traction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterlocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidsurface flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support system separates the interlocking function (handled by the rigid levels that maintain tile alignment) from the flexibility function (handled by the resilient level that allows surface deformation). This segmentation enables both reliable interlocking and surface adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the tile have different properties: the rigid support levels provide structural stability and interlocking, while the resilient elements provide local flexibility and traction. Each part is optimized for its specific function, achieving overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 modular floor tile system offers improved traction and comfort by absorbing impact and distributing loads effectively, reducing the risk of joint pain and providing a more forgiving surface for users.

Implementation Method 1

a first resilient level, and another of the multiple levels of support comprises a first rigid level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

absorb impact and distributing loads effectively, reducing the risk of joint pain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS7587865B2Modular floor tile with multi level support system

Publication Date: 2009.09.15 SNAP LOCK INDS

AI summary

The principles described herein provide floor tiles and modular floors. Some embodiments of the floor tiles and modular floors include multiple levels of support. One of the levels of support may be a resilient level that compresses comfortably under a load. Another level of support may include a generally rigid level that supports the floor or tile after the resilient level has compressed a predetermined distance. One embodiment includes a third generally rigid level of support that supports the floor or tile under certain loads. Some embodiments of the floor tiles include inserts for increased traction. The inserts may be removable and protrude from a top surface and/or a bottom plane of the floor tiles. The tiles may include a locking system that allows adjacent tiles to interlock, while also permitting a predetermined amount of lateral sliding relative to one another. The modular tiles may be injection molded and the inserts and the resilient support level may comprise an elastomer.