Modular Flooring System with Interlocking Bridge Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional concrete and asphalt support bases for synthetic sports flooring are permanent, costly to install, impractical to relocate, and lack flexibility and impact absorption, leading to increased installation costs and limited accessibility to play areas, especially in areas where these materials are scarce or restricted.
Innovation Solution
A modular sub-flooring system comprising interlocking synthetic sub-floor tiles and bridge connectors that allow controlled lateral movement while restraining vertical movement, providing a flexible and removable support base with improved impact absorption and drainage capabilities, similar to concrete or asphalt surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional concrete or asphalt support bases are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support base is divided into multiple interlocking modular tiles that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each tile is a discrete unit with connection features that join to form the complete support structure, eliminating the need for pouring and curing large concrete slabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The material state is changed from liquid concrete requiring curing to pre-formed solid tiles ready for immediate assembly. This parameter change eliminates the time-consuming curing process and allows for rapid installation and relocation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional concrete or asphalt support bases are used, then permanent stability is improved, but relocatability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support base transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The modular tiles with connection features allow the structure to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured for different locations and configurations while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of demolishing and disposing of concrete support bases when relocating, the modular tiles can be disassembled and recovered for reuse at new locations. This recovers the invested infrastructure resources and eliminates demolition costs.
3Force
If traditional concrete or asphalt support bases are used, then load bearing capacity is improved, but impact absorption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support base uses composite construction combining rigid structural elements for load bearing with softer impact-absorbing materials. This multi-material approach provides both the structural strength needed to support loads and the cushioning properties needed to reduce impact injuries from falls.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular flooring system includes a plurality of floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the floor tiles.