Modular Hat-Shaped Absorbing Underlayment to Reduce Fall Injury Risk
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current underlayment systems fail to effectively reduce injury risk from falls in elderly care facilities due to high costs, complexity, and lack of durability, while also compromising the quality and comfort of flooring surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A load distribution and absorption system comprising interlocking tiles with a barrier layer and absorbing members, where the barrier layer is securely affixed to the absorbing members, providing even load distribution and absorption through overlapping edges, compatible with sheet vinyl and carpet flooring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional underlayment systems are used to reduce impact forces, then injury risk from falls is reduced, but system cost increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The underlayment system is divided into modular tiles that can be independently installed and interlocked together. Each tile contains integrated absorbing members and barrier layers, allowing the system to be installed in a simplified manner while maintaining fall injury reduction capabilities across the entire flooring surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (absorbing members, barrier layers, load distribution structures) are merged into a single integrated tile unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate installation steps for each component, reducing installation complexity while providing comprehensive fall protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thick underlayment layers are added to enhance comfort and force distribution, then injury risk is reduced, but profile height increases and tripping hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The underlayment tiles feature localized load distribution zones and absorbing members positioned at specific depths and locations within the tile structure. This allows impact forces to be managed effectively at the point of contact without requiring the entire tile to be thick, thus maintaining a low profile while reducing injury risk.
3Reliability
If multiple underlayment layers are installed to improve durability, then system longevity is enhanced, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layers and absorbing members are pre-positioned and integrated within each tile during manufacturing, providing built-in protection and durability features. This eliminates the need for multiple separate underlayment layers to be installed on-site, reducing installation complexity while maintaining enhanced durability and longevity.
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 system significantly reduces the risk of injuries from falls, maintains durability and comfort, facilitates easy installation, and meets ADA accessibility requirements, demonstrating a substantial reduction in fall-related injuries and improved quality of life for elderly individuals.
Implementation Method 1
load absorption is mainly provided by groups of absorbing members that are provided in tiles thereof
Implementation Method 2
Most of the absorbing members have a ceiling which is positioned below the barrier layer. A continuous curvilinear wall extends from the ceiling.
Data Source
AI summary
A load distributing and absorbing system that lies below a superstructure material which is exposed to percussive forces. The load distributing and absorbing system is interposed between the superstructure material and a foundation. The system has a barrier layer that lies below the superstructure material and an underlayment infrastructure positioned below the barrier layer. Included in the underlayment infrastructure are hat-shaped absorbing members.