Modular Flooring Panels with Integrated Conduit Chases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular flooring systems are difficult to transport and assemble, lack flexibility over uneven ground, and do not allow for full connectivity or in-floor routing of cables and wires.
Innovation Solution
A modular flooring system comprising interlocking floor panels with tongues and grooves, self-alignment tabs, and locking mechanisms that allow for easy assembly, flexibility over uneven terrain, and integrated conduit chases for cable and wire distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional modular flooring systems use large floor panels, then coverage area is improved, but transportability and assembly ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flooring system is divided into smaller interlocking panels that can be easily transported and assembled, yet when connected form a large continuous surface. Each panel contains integrated connection features that simplify the assembly process while maintaining large coverage area capability.
2Strength
If conventional modular flooring systems use rigid connections between panels, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility over uneven ground deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the rigid panels to adapt to uneven surfaces. The locking mechanisms can accommodate slight misalignments and angular variations while maintaining secure connections, providing both strength and flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If conventional modular flooring systems use simple panel connections, then assembly ease is improved, but connectivity and cable routing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel connections serve multiple functions: mechanical interlocking for structural integrity, alignment guidance for easy assembly, and integrated conduit pathways for cable and wire routing. This multi-functionality is achieved through molded-in features that combine these capabilities in a single connection system.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional modular flooring systems lack integrated connection features, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but assembly tool requirements and personnel expertise deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple assembly functions are merged into single integrated features molded into the panels. Alignment tabs, locking mechanisms, and connection guides are combined into unified components that eliminate the need for separate tools or specialized assembly procedures, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while reducing assembly complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular flooring system that includes a plurality of interlocking floor panels arrangeable into a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, each interlocking floor panel includes tongues and grooves that allow adjacent ones of the panels to connect with one another by the mating of tongues and grooves. A locking mechanism can be provided to one or more of the floor panels for locking the connected panels together. In other embodiments, the modular flooring system includes either integrally formed conduit chases or separately formed conduit chases, or a combination of both.