Modular system for a room, for a living, work or storage area, or for other three-dimensional spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles (RVs) typically have fixed layouts for living areas, limiting user flexibility and versatility in configuring space for different uses.
Innovation Solution
A modular flooring system comprising a modular floor surface with stackable, three-dimensional interior design components (MIDCs) that can be securely placed and rearranged on raised receiving panels, allowing for various configurations of storage, functional, and aesthetic layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed layout is used in RVs, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flooring system is divided into discrete, interchangeable receiving panels that can be independently configured. Each panel is a separate module that can be arranged in different patterns, allowing the layout to be segmented and reconfigured without moving the entire floor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed layout to a dynamic reconfigurable layout. The receiving panels are designed to be movable and interchangeable, enabling the user to dynamically change the layout configuration based on different usage requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If permanent changes are made to configure space, then layout stability is achieved, but flexibility and reconfigurability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The floor surface is segmented into multiple identical receiving panels that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows individual panels to be moved and reconfigured without affecting the entire floor structure, making rearrangement simple and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
Each receiving panel is designed with universal characteristics - identical dimensions, shapes, and connection features. This universality allows any panel to be placed in any position, enabling easy reconfiguration without requiring different components for different locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stackable MIDCs are used, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interior design components are segmented into stackable modules with standardized connection interfaces. Each module is manufactured as a separate unit with uniform dimensions and attachment features, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling versatile stacking configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stackable MIDCs are designed to nest vertically on top of each other, with each component fitting into a standardized position. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through repeated use of identical modular units.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular flooring system comprises a modular floor surface and a plurality of stackable, three-dimensional modular interior design components (MIDCs). The modular floor surface can comprise an array of discrete, raised, low-profile, receiving panels that can be rectangular in shape. MIDCs can be securely and interchangeably placed on any group of one or more adjacent unoccupied receiving panel and they can also be stackable, such that various different floor layouts can be created. Each of the MIDCs may comprise a lower surface recess that fits over a group of one or more adjacent raised receiving panels. A first MIDC may have an raised lip on a top surface such that the lower surface recess of a second MIDC fits over, separately and interchangeably, one (or more) of the raised receiving panels and the raised lip on the top surface of the first MIDC. The MIDCs can comprise a storage cube MIDC (square or rectangular cube) as well as specialized MIDCs, such as a commode MIDC, a sink MIDC, a cooler MIDC, and a tile MIDC, etc. In such a manner, a user of the modular flooring system could locate the MIDCs on the floor surface and/or stack them to configure a preferred layout. Moreover, the MIDCs could be rearranged later to design a new layout.