Modular Platform Assembly Using Snap-On Tiles and Beam Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing platform systems lack flexibility and ease in creating differently-configured platforms using the same components, being time-consuming, expensive, and inflexible in accommodating various configurations.

Innovation Solution

A modular platform system comprising tiles with snap-on features, beams with upright members, legs with adjustable heights, and brackets that allow for easy assembly and customization of platform configurations, including different elevations, railings, ramps, and toe boards, using high-strength aluminum alloy components for versatility and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional platform systems are used, then structural strength is achieved, but flexibility in creating differently-configured platforms is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in creating differently-configured platformsVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform system is divided into modular components including tiles with peripheral edges, beams with upright members, legs, and brackets. Each component is designed with standardized features (slots, channels, attachment mechanisms) that enable flexible reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity. The segmentation allows different combinations of components to create various platform configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beams are designed with dual functionality: the upright members provide support and attachment points for tiles, while the bottom surface with slots serves as an attachment point for legs and brackets. This universal design allows the same beam component to serve multiple purposes in different configurations, reducing the need for specialized parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional platform systems are used, then stability is achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidtime to create desired platform

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The components are pre-configured with attachment features during manufacturing: tiles have peripheral edges with slots, beams have upright members with channels and bottom slots, and brackets have pre-formed attachment surfaces. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for field customization and enables rapid assembly through simple connection operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanisms are designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The tile peripheral edges snap into the beam channel, and the brackets with slots automatically align with beam or leg slots during assembly. This self-service design reduces the need for complex alignment procedures and specialized assembly tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional platform systems are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The same standardized components (tiles, beams, legs, brackets) can be used across multiple platform configurations. The beams with upright members and bottom slots, for example, serve identical structural functions whether supporting tiles, attaching legs, or connecting to brackets. This universality reduces the total number of unique parts needed, lowering manufacturing and inventory costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves configuration flexibility through parameter changes rather than structural changes. By varying the arrangement, orientation, and combination of standardized components (e.g., different numbers or positions of beams, legs, and brackets), multiple platform configurations are created using the same basic component set, avoiding the need to manufacture specialized parts for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If modular components are used, then ease of assembly is improved, but connection strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system merges multiple attachment mechanisms: the tile peripheral edge combines slot engagement with snap-fit connection to the beam channel; the bracket combines slot alignment with fastener attachment. This merging of mechanical features provides both ease of assembly (through self-alignment and snap-fit) and connection strength (through multiple engagement points).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11808046B2Modular platform system and method of assembly

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 WEARWELL LLC

AI summary

A modular platform system includes a plurality of tiles, legs, beams, and brackets. Peripheries of the tiles and top surfaces of the beams are configured so that the tiles can snap on to the beams, allowing for easy creation of a platform. The beams, legs, and brackets are all configured so that the beams and legs are easily connected together for platform system creation.