Curved-Connector Modular Floor for Load and Torsion Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current modular floor systems lack sufficient strength to handle high-demand applications, particularly in terms of vertical forces and torsional stress, while also restricting flexibility and adaptability to uneven terrain and temperature changes.

Innovation Solution

A modular floor system featuring floor modules connected by a curved connector that allows for flexible coupling, restricting movement in three Cartesian axes while enabling angular flexibility, using an overlapping system with a locking mechanism to secure and adjust the modules, and incorporating different coupling structures such as curved, support, fitting, and rotating connectors for enhanced strength and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rotating connectors are used to join modular panels, then lateral strength is improved, but vertical strength and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral strengthVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two distinct functional parts: a rotating connector component for lateral strength and a wedge component for vertical strength and flexibility. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating connector and wedge are combined into a single integrated joining system that works together to provide both lateral and vertical strength while maintaining flexibility. The wedge fits within the rotating connector structure, creating a composite joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If rotating connectors are used with removable pressure fit nature, then ease of installation is improved, but tensile strength and vertical strength are weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidtensile strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge is designed to be inserted beforehand into the rotating connector, creating a pre-assembled unit that gains full strength upon installation. The wedge's geometric shape provides inherent cushioning and load distribution before final locking occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the connector configuration prevents transmission of torsional stress, then stability is improved, but angular flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidangular flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating connector allows dynamic rotation and angular adjustment, while the wedge provides static structural stability. This dynamic-static combination enables the joint to adapt to terrain irregularities and temperature changes while maintaining overall stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240360681A1High strength modular floor

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 INTERESTELAR X SPA

AI summary

A high-strength modular floor is presented, formed by two or more floor modules securely coupled together. The modular floor includes curved connectors for securing coupled floor modules together. The high-strength modular floor is versatile, can be adapted for different industrial and commercial uses, and is formed by high-strength floor modules securely coupled together by one or more curved connectors, which restrict relative movement between coupled floor modules along three Cartesian axes.